The smokeless tobacco user: a descriptive ethnography

Abstract

There is conclusive evidence that the use of smokeless tobacco (ST) causes cancer in humans. Despite this finding, the incidence of ST use in the U . S. has tripled since 1972 . Subsequently, the need for screening, education and cessation programs tailored specifically for ST uses has recently been identified by a small number of health-care professionals. This descriptive study was designed to explore the health beliefs of smokeless users related to ST use and to look for patterns of behavior relevant for cessation and prevention programs specifically targeted at ST consumers. Ethnographic interviews with three ST users and participant observation were utilized to identify data applicable to these goals. Taxonomies of health beliefs and patterns of behaviors related to ST use led to two major cultural themes: 1) ST users believed· they were more vulnerable to health risks associated with ST use the older they grew and the longer they used the product; and, 2) the practice of ST use increased during times of boredom and stress , as well as during pleasurable activities.