PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS INFLUENCING SMOKELESS TOBACCO USE BY TEENAGE MILITARY DEPENDENTS

Using bivariate and logistic regression analysis, we explored psychoso cial correlates of smokeless tobacco (SLT) use in a sample of 2,257 te enage military dependents. We built separate regression models for mal es and females to explain triers and users of SLT. Results show female and male triers share five factors regarding SLT use-parental and pee r approval, trying smoking, relatives using SLT, and athletic team mem bership. Male trial of SLT was additionally associated with race, diff iculty in purchasing SLT, relatives who smoke, current smoking, and be lief that SLT can cause mouth cancer. Male use of SLT was associated w ith race, seeing a dentist regularly, SLT counseling by a dentist, par ental approval, trying and current smoking, and grade level. In all mo dels, trying smoking was the strongest explanatory variable. Relatives and peers exert considerable influence on SLT use. Few triers or user s had received SLT counseling from their dentist despite high dental u tilization rates.