SMOKELESS TOBACCO USE IN AN OUTPATIENT VETERAN POPULATION

Smokeless tobacco use is a significant health risk for carcinoma of th e oropharynx, and has a high prevalence in the southern United States. To evaluate the potential demand for a smokeless tobacco cessation pr ogram, we surveyed patients attending the General Medicine Clinic of a Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The prevalence of smokeless tobacco use was 5.8%, which did not justify creation of a clinic-based cessati on program. Since we observed adults using smokeless tobacco as a mean s to reduce or stop their smoking, smoking cessation programs should i nclude counseling against smokeless tobacco use.