Why Do Some Teens Chew Nicotine Gum?
In 2000 the prevalence of cigarette smoking was 15% among middle school students and 34% among high school students. More than half of these smokers reported wanting to stop and more than half had tried to quit the preceding 12 months. Yet, information about nicotine replacement therapy in adolescents is sparse. A survey of 4078 11th-grade students (Memphis, Tenn) was done to determine the prevalence of smoking, use of nicotine gum and patches, and reasons that youth used nicotine. As all surveyed youth were under age 18 years, an age at which nicotine purchases are unlawful, information was sought on how these teens accessed nicotine. Of all students, 26% were experimental smokers, 13% reported that they smoked regularly, and 6% were former smokers. Of all students, 5% (216 youth) had currently or previously used or tried nicotine gum and/or patches. Nicotine use was highest among males, Hispanics and Asians. Lowest use was among African Americans. About 40% of former smokers intervie
