Characteristics of Tobacco Users in the Lumber Industry

Cessation interventions for adult smokeless tobacco users may benefit from an improved understanding of the demographic, psychosocial, and tobacco-dependence characteristics of this group. In the current study, 143 employees of the Pacific Lumber Company were interviewed and completed questionnaires about their tobaccouse product preference (smokeless tobacco only, cigarettes only, both, and former user), demographic, psychosocial, and toTo optimize the success of tobacco use cessation strategies, the characteristics of the tobacco-usmg population should be matched with appropnate program components.' Improvements in quit rates for smokers are partially due to the more tailored, appropriate program components used m formal cessation programs.2 Similarly, an improved understanding of smokeless tobacco users and how they differ from smokers may enhance the efficacy of tobacco cessation efforts. Yet, little is known about adult Jacque/me L. Stoddard, MA; Steve Sussman, PhD: Clyde W. Dent, PhD; Institute for llenlth Promotion and D1.<:eas<' Prevention Research, Unwerstty of Southern Calrfornza, Los Angeles, CA. Stewart I. Donaldson, PhD, Center for Organtzattonal and flehavtoral Sctences, The Claremont Graduate School, Claremont, CA. Herbert H. Severson, PhD, Oregon Research Institute, Eugene, OR Address correspondence to Ms. Stoddard, USC/ IPR, 1540 Alcazar Street, CHP-206, Los Angeles, CA 90033. E·mml {/stoddar([i)lsc.usc.edu). Am J Health ~ehavn• 1997;21(2):91-99 bacco-dependence characteristics. Results of a multivariate discriminant analysis revealed that smokeless-tobacco-only users were younger and reported engaging in more exercise than did the other three groups; however, they also reported greater dependence on tobacco than did smokers. Formal cessation clinics similar to those that are being used effectively with smokers, and which are age appropriate, may be an effective treatment for adult smokeless tobacco users. smokeless tobacco users, their dependency characteristics, or other characteristics, which may impact their success in eventually quitting. 1 Unlike populations who smoke, smokeless tobacco users tend to cluster closely around certain demographic and sociological var iables: The highest use is among white males who participate in outdoor activities (e.g., lumber mill workers, athlctes,•·5) suggesting the need for a more focused cessation program. A few studies of self-reported or biochemically measured nicoune dependence suggest similar levels of dependence between c1garctte smokers and smokeless tobacco uscrs.611 flo wever, very few studies of this type hove been attempted. Almost all research on the psychosocial and demographic correlates of smokeless tobacco use has been completed with adolescents, and this research has emphasized variables associated with habit acquisition, rather than maintenance and quitting.9 Additional research is needed to discern similarities and differences in de-