Search

This article presents the text of the address delivered by Dr. Elbert Glover at the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Health Education, American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance in New Orleans, Louisiana, on April 2, 2004. In this address, the author reflects on his life, acknowledges the individuals that contributed to his success, discusses the current condition of health education, stresses the need for a new health education paradigm, and talks about the future of health education. Dr. Glover hopes that the fundamental act of admitting that quality research and research training for health educators are critical for their future might set in motion the necessary chain of events and processes to solve or improve their current predicament. He encourages health educators to not only dream of the future, but also confront and plan for the future. He says changing one's thinking, adopting a new research paradigm, moving out of one's comfort zone, being open to the future, and dreaming of the future are supremely courageous paths to follow, for they are often met with criticism.

NicVAX, a nicotine vaccine (3'AmNic-rEPA), has been clinically evaluated to determine whether higher antibody (Ab) concentrations are associated with higher smoking abstinence rates and whether dosages and frequency of administration are associated with increased Ab response. This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled multicenter clinical trial (N = 301 smokers) tested the results of 200- and 400-µg doses administered four or five times over a period of 6 months, as compared with placebo. 3'AmNic-rEPA recipients with the highest serum antinicotine Ab response (top 30% by area under the curve (AUC)) were significantly more likely than the placebo recipients (24.6% vs. 12.0%, P = 0.024, odds ratio (OR) = 2.69, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.14-6.37) to attain 8 weeks of continuous abstinence from weeks 19 through 26. The five-injection, 400-µg dose regimen elicited the greatest Ab response and resulted in significantly higher abstinence rates than placebo. This study demonstrates, as proof of concept, that 3'AmNic-rEPA elicits Abs to nicotine and is associated with higher continuous abstinence rates (CAR). Its further development as a treatment for nicotine dependence is therefore justified.

Objectives: To investigate predictors of tobacco abstinence among smokeless tobacco (ST) users. Methods: Logistic regression analyses assessed characteristics associated with tobacco abstinence among ST users receiving bupropion SR. Results: Older age was associated with increased tobacco abstinence in both placebo and bupropion SR groups at end of treatment and one year. Abstinence was lower at one year for subjects with a history of major depression. At end-of-treatment, a 2-way interaction was detected suggesting bupropion SR may be efficacious for subjects with other household tobacco users. Conclusions: Younger ST users and those with a history of depression are less likely to quit ST use.

The antidepressant drug bupropion may help many smokers quit. Researchers randomly assigned 615 smokers to take 100, 150, or 300 milligrams (mg) of the drug or a placebo daily for seven weeks. By the end of seven weeks, 44% of those taking 300 mg had stopped smoking, compared to 38% of those on 150 mg, 29% of those on 100 mg and 19% of those on placebo. However, one year later, many smokers had begun smoking again and abstinence rates were 23% in the 300 mg group, 23% in the 150 mg group, 20% in the 100 mg group and 12% in the placebo group. The drug reduced weight gain in ex-smokers and had few side effects.

This literature review delineates the current status of smokeless tobacco, including prevalence, terminology, periodontal effects, and addiction potential. Also discussed is the possible influence on youth of smokeless tobacco use by popular sports figures. (Author/CB)

Investigated prevalence and patterns of use for tobacco products, especially smokeless tobacco, among 632 college students. Smokeless tobacco use was considerably more prevalent among males than among females; the reverse was true for cigarette smoking. Implications for health education programs are discussed. (Author/NB)

Presents first part of two-part series reviewing the published literature on smokeless tobacco in the United States and concomitant health effects associated with its use. Delineates the current status of its prevalence, behavioral psychosocial factors associated with use, and review of the negative health effects associated with regular use. Includes bibliography listing 140 references. (Author/NB)

Results are reported from a study which sought to determine prevalence and to delineate patterns of smokeless tobacco use among college students (N=5,894). Analysis of findings produced a profile of the typical college user. Implications of the data for intervention strategies and cessation programs are discussed. (IAH)

Presents second part of two-part series reviewing the published literature of smokeless tobacco in the United States. Explores smokeless tobacco as a pharmacologically addicting substance, discusses educational interventions designed to prevent use or help users quit, and outlines areas of future research. (Author)

Results of a study of 289 undergraduate males indicate significant differences in personality traits between cigarette smokers and smokeless tobacco users. Smokeless tobacco users were more practical, conventional, and concerned with immediate interests and issues. Cigarette smokers tended to be more imaginative and Bohemian. (IAH)

Determines whether subliminal perception can be used as a means for altering cigarette smoking behavior. Smoking behavior was not altered through subliminal perception as carried out in this study. There was evidence that smoking behavior was altered, but it was an unpredicted change. Some subjects decreased smoking patterns. (Author)

Negative views about the elderly held by adolescents can result in a negative outlook on aging. Physical, mental, and social aging experiential activities are given which can be done at home or at school. (JN)

The use of chewing and dipping tobacco is increasing, especially among young male athletes and high school and college students. Scientific evidence indicates that dipping and chewing are potentially harmful to health. Health educators should take a public stance against advertising campaigns aimed at young people. (JN)

Studied factors to help dentists understand smoking in patients. Dental patients (N=57) attended "quit smoking" clinics and were given the Horn Smoker's Self-Test which elicits information on factors relating to smoking. The most important functions cigarettes serve, according to smokers, were to satisfy craving, act as a crutch, and provide pleasurable relaxation. (Author/JAC)

Smokeless Tobacco Use by Youth in the U.S. ABSTRACT: Oral snuff and chewing tobacco, commonly referred to as smokeless tobacco, are being used by many adolescent and young adult males, [...]