SURVEY OF SMOKELESS TOBACCO USE IN BASIC TRAINEES AND ARMOR BASIC COURSE OFFICERS

In this study an all-male population of 256 U.S. Anny basic trainees a nd 98 armor officer basic course students were surveyed concerning ext ent of use, knowledge of, and factors contributing to the use of smoke less tobacco (ST). The survey was administered at a dental clinic at F ort Knox, Kentucky. The data were analyzed using the SPSS computer sof tware program, Results showed that more than 17% of this population we re either occasional or regular users of ST. Nearly 24% had tried ST a nd more than 9% were former users, Exactly one-half had not tried ST. A typical user was white, had started ST use at age 14, had used it fo r 4 years, and was most likely to use snuff or dip, Higher educational level achieved was associated with increased likelihood of ST use. Ne arly 22% of college graduates used ST, whereas only 15.3% of high scho ol graduates or those with some college were users. Knowledge about th e potential health effects of ST was generally high or moderately high , except for its ability to cause hypertension, This was true for both high school and college graduates, although college graduates were so mewhat more informed. Few in this population had a personal attitude o f approval toward ST use, and very few perceived that either their par ents or their superiors in the military approved of ST use. Perceived attitude of approval was highest from friends and peers, The principle reasons for starting ST use were use by friends and curiosity about t aste and effects, Influence from public figures, such as athletes, and from advertising was minimal, Enjoyment of flavor and taste was found to be the main reason for continued ST use, Health professionals were identified by the majority of respondents as the single most importan t information source on ST. Relatively few (27%), however, stated that their dentist or hygienist had ever discussed ST with them.