Gaping Gap in Tobacco Screening and Counseling for U.S. Adolescents with Psychological Distress

Strategic Insights -

A staggering 47.6% of U.S. adolescents reported some level of psychological distress, with those experiencing anxiety or depression significantly more likely to be screened for tobacco use but not more likely to receive advice to avoid tobacco, a new study published in Pediatrics Open Science has revealed. The research, conducted by Shichen Zheng and Melanie Dove, found that despite the strong link between psychological distress and tobacco use, health professionals often fail to provide necessary guidance to young people struggling with mental health issues. The study's findings highlight the pressing need for improved screening and counseling practices, particularly among adolescents who are more vulnerable to tobacco use as a coping mechanism.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nearly half (47.6%) of U.S. adolescents reported some level of psychological distress, making them more likely to be screened for tobacco use.
  • Despite being more likely to be screened, adolescents with psychological distress were not more likely to receive advice to avoid tobacco.
  • Health professionals may be more inclined to screen for tobacco use when suspecting use among distressed youth, but often fail to provide necessary counseling or intervention.
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP) recommendation to Ask, Counsel, and Treat (ACT) tobacco use among youth is not being consistently followed, with clinicians often lacking time or resources for meaningful counseling.
  • Integrating tobacco screening and treatment with substance use disorder and mental health services can improve treatment outcomes and overall health, according to Melanie Dove.

Statistics:

  • 47.6% of U.S. adolescents reported some level of psychological distress.
  • 48.9% of youth reported being screened for tobacco use.
  • 47.2% of youth reported being advised not to use tobacco.
  • 18,149 middle and high school students participated in the 2022 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS).
  • 14,798 (81.3%) of youth reported visiting a health professional in the past year.

Sources:

  • "Psychological Distress Levels and Youth Tobacco Screening and Advice by a Health Professional: National Youth Tobacco Survey, 2022" published in Pediatrics Open Science
  • Melanie Dove, ScD, Associate Professor at the UC Davis Department of Public Health Sciences
  • Shichen Zheng, Epidemiologist, UC Davis
  • American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendation: Ask, Counsel, and Treat (ACT)
  • National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS)
  • Free state quitlines and digital tools for youth-focused cessation resources