Tobacco use by Indiana children and adolescents.

Data from a five-year, longitudinal survey of cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco use by Indiana children and adolescents are presented. A four-page, self-contained questionnaire was used to collect anonymous information from more than 240,000 students in grades six through 12. Indiana students reported prevalence levels 20% to 50% higher than levels reported in comparable national surveys. Perceived risk of physical or psychological harm was the single best statistical predictor of whether or not a student would choose to use tobacco. Tobacco use was statistically linked to increased use of illicit drugs. Physicians can play a powerful role in influencing a patient's perception of the risks associated with cigarette smoking.