The questionnaire examined the students nutrition knowledge, food-related behaviors, and food preferences. In addition, obese students were more likely to report infrequent meals with their family. Otherwise, there were no significant differences in nutrition behaviors or food preferences. Overall nutrition knowledge did not differ between obese and non-obese adolescents. Tobacco use among teenagers is increasing, even in the face of an understanding of its harmful effects.
Data suggest that tobacco use often begins before entrance to eighth grade.
This study examined the prevalence of tobacco use among students in 6th grade and compared it to the prevalence of tobacco use among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders in a northeastern suburban community and to national data. We used a survey that measured selected tobacco and smokeless tobacco use, demographic variables, school-related factors, and social influences on the use of tobacco products. Risk factors for becoming a smoker were smoking habits of parents, siblings, and friends. Our data suggest that efforts toward primary prevention of smoking should be pursued between sixth and eighth grade.