Learning Objectives: Learn about smokeless/spit tobacco (ST) self-help programs. Understand the relationship between ST use and nitrosamine levels. Learn about public health interventions for ST cessation.
Abstract: The use of smokeless or spit tobacco (ST) continues to be a significant health problem. Although one in seven male tobacco users are using snuff or chewing tobacco rather than cigarettes, there are few resources available to help them quit. Recent research studies have taken public health approaches to assist ST users quit. This panel will review a range of innovative approaches to reaching ST users. In the first presentation, Dr. Severson will review the results of a self help cessation study with over 1800 adult ST users. Results will be presented in terms of cessation outcome, cost per quit, predictors of quitting, and possible dissemination through state tobacco control programs. Dr. Gordon will review the results of randomized trials in which oral health professionals were trained to provide brief office-based interventions, and an evaluation of an interactive CD-ROM tobacco cessation training program. Dr. Hatsukami will focus on a series of ongoing studies examining strategies to reduce tobacco toxin exposure, including the topographical patterns of ST use that are correlated with exposure to nitrosamines, methods to reduce the amount of ST use among ST users unwilling or unable to quit, and the effects of switching from ST to snus vs. nicotine patch. Dr. Walsh will present results of a series of studies on the effectiveness of assisting student athletes to quit their use of snuff and chew.
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