Tobacco use and cessation behavior among adolescents participating in organized sports.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the difference in tobacco use between adolescents who participate in organized sports and those who do not.

METHODS

Using a cross-sectional study design, this study uses data from a nationally representative sample of adolescents enrolled in public high schools in the United States.

RESULTS

Those participating in organized sports were 25% less likely to be current cigarette smokers. However, smokeless tobacco use was found to be associated with participation in organized sports.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the large proportion of students involved in organized sports, intervening through this venue to address tobacco use has the potential to reach significant numbers of adolescents.