TRENDS IN SMOKELESS TOBACCO USE AMONG MEN IN 4 STATES, 1988 THROUGH 1993

Objectives. Trends in smokeless tobacco use were examined for men in I ndiana, Iowas, Montana, and West Virginia from 1988 through 1993. Meth ods. State survey data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Sy stem (BRFSS) were analyzed. Results. Demographic characteristics assoc iated with smokeless tobacco use included age less than 35 years, a hi gh school education or less, and rural residence. Overall, there was l ittle change in smokeless tobacco use among men in these states (range = -0.4-0.4 percentage points annually); only West Virginia had a sign ificant decline. Conclusions. Reasons for the overall lack of decline may include increased advertising an promotional expenditures or subst itution of smokeless tobacco for cigarettes. increased prevention and cessation efforts are needed.