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Deborah L. Johnson, MSN, RN, Department of Environments for Health, Indiana University School of Nursing, 1111 Middle Dr, NU 459, Indianapolis, IN 46202, (317) 274-1216, dljohns1@iupui.edu and Connie L. Schneider, RNBC, BSN, Bureau of Population Health, Community-Based Care, Marion County Health Department, Northwest District Health Office, 7440 N. Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268.
Deborah Johnson and Connie Schneider are graduate nursing students currently pursing a Masters degree in Community Health Nursing. Deborah plans to complete this degree in August, 2004 and Connie in May, 2005. The focal area they plan to address with this abstract is Health Access for Vulnerable Populations specifically addressing factors that contribute to adolescent tobacco use. Included below is the abstract for consideration.
Cigarette smoking among adolescents is a serious health problem of epidemic proportions. Healthy People 2010, has identified tobacco use as one of the major leading health concerns in the United States for the 21st century. A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that more than four million adolescents currently smoke in the United States and the average age to initiate tobacco use is 12.5 years. Of adolescents who start smoking at age 12 or 13, most become addicted to cigarettes within three years. The health implications of early initiation and continued use of tobacco can lead to development of long-term, chronic illnesses. Research has also shown that direct and indirect contributing factors can have significant influence on the adolescent’s decision to use tobacco. Identification of these contributing factors and their potential influence on the adolescent’s decision to smoke will be discussed in this paper.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.