Tobacco use and cessation behavior among adolescents participating in organized sports

Objectives: To examine the difference in tobacco use between adolescents who participate in organized sports and those who do not. Methods: Using a cross-sectional study design, this study uses data from a nationally representative sample of adolescents enrolled in public high schools in the United States. Results. Those participating in organized sports were 25% less likely to be current cigarette smokers. However, smokeless tobacco use was found to be associated with participation in organized sports. Conclusions: Given the large proportion of students involved in organized sports, intervening through this venue to address tobacco use has the potential to reach significant numbers of adolescents.