A
survey on tobacco attitudes and usage that was given in Septmeber
2003 and again in May 2006.
Tri-County High School students reported a large increase in the
amount of tobacco products they have tried and used within the past
30 days compared to what they reported using in 2003. This was determined
by analyzing the results of identical surveys sponsored by the Keokuk
County Tobacco Free Coalition which were administered to the students
in September 2003 and again in May 2006. 43 of 94 students reported
having ever used tobacco products in the recent survey, compared
to 29 of 120 students surveyed three years ago. 26 students recently
admitted to using tobacco products at least once in the past month,
compared to 13 in 2003. The number of heavy smokers, those smoking
at least 10 cigarettes per day, remained the same at 6 each time.
The survey also found a change in attitudes about among the Tri-County
students. 10% felt it was all right for youth to use tobacco products
in public in 2003, compared to 25% in 2006. This was despite the
fact that their parent’s attitudes about tobacco use have
reportedly become stricter. 21% of the tobacco users in the recent
survey reported it was ok for them to use tobacco at home, compared
with 31% in 2003. In both surveys 67% of the youth had at least
one adult at home who uses tobacco.
The percentage of student tobacco users who reporting that they
consider themselves addicted to tobacco decreased from 34% to 30%
over the 3 years. Yet only 26% of the tobacco users reported prior
attempts to quit in 2006, compared to 48% in 2003.
To view the actual data, Click
HERE.
