Tobacco Cessation Behaviors among U.S. Middle and high School Students, 2020.

Introduction:
This text presents the findings of a study on tobacco cessation behaviors among U.S. middle and high school students who report current use of any tobacco product, cigarettes, and e-cigarettes. The study uses data from the 2020 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) to assess prevalence and correlates of quit intentions and past-year quit attempts.

Key Points:

* The study found that quit intentions were reported by 62.5% of current users of any tobacco product, 68.1% of cigarette smokers, and 63.9% of e-cigarette users.
* Past-year quit attempts were reported by 65.4% of current users of any tobacco product, 65.8% of cigarettes smokers, and 67.4% for e-cigarette users.
* harm perceptions toward tobacco, nicotine dependency, and the use of multiple tobacco products were significantly correlated with quit intentions, quit attempts, or both among different tobacco product user groups.
* The study found that most students who use tobacco products want to quit and have attempted to do so.
* The study highlights the need for youth-focused cessation interventions, particularly those addressing the most commonly used products.

Main Message:
The study emphasizes the importance of developing evidence-based cessation interventions to support youth in quitting the use of tobacco products. The findings suggest that many youth who use tobacco could benefit from cessation-related support or intervention as part of a comprehensive approach to prevent and reduce youth tobacco product use. The study also highlights the need for further research to inform the development of effective interventions to help youth quit.

Zhang L, Gentzke a, Trivers KF, VanFrank B. Tobacco Cessation Behaviors among U.S. Middle and high School Students, 2020. The Journal of adolescent health : official publication of the Society for adolescent Medicine. 2022;70(1):147-154. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2021.07.011