The prevalence of smokeless tobacco use in native children in northern Saskatchewan, Canada

Can J Public Health. 1990 Sep-Oct;81(5):350-2.

Abstract

We used a self-administered questionnaire to develop a profile of smokeless tobacco use among 1,170 Canadian native children aged 7 to 21 years attending schools situated in remote communities in northern Saskatchewan. Nearly 30% of the sample were current users of smokeless tobacco; more than 50% of users began to use these products before the age of 12 years. More males than females chewed tobacco or dipped snuff. The results revealed a relatively high prevalence of smokeless tobacco users among the present sample of native children and were found to be consistent with data from other studies of similarly aged native populations. The results also showed a prevailing pattern of addiction among the users of smokeless tobacco. It is suggested that educational programs aimed at preventing or reducing the use of tobacco products among native populations be intensified and as well, these programs would benefit from the active participation of trained native personnel.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Indians, North American*
  • Male
  • Plants, Toxic*
  • Prevalence
  • Saskatchewan / epidemiology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Tobacco Use Disorder / epidemiology*
  • Tobacco Use Disorder / prevention & control
  • Tobacco, Smokeless*