Mental Health Professionals Miss Opportunity to Prevent Tobacco Use Among Young People

Strategic Insights -

A concerning gap exists in how health professionals support young people dealing with mental health challenges and tobacco use, a new study has found. According to the 2022 National Youth Tobacco Survey, nearly half of middle and high school students reported experiencing some psychological distress, and were more likely to be asked about tobacco use during visits to doctors, nurses, or other health professionals. However, they were not more likely to receive advice to avoid tobacco, despite being at higher risk of using it. The study, published in Pediatrics Open Science, highlights the need for stronger efforts in youth behavioral health to include tobacco prevention and treatment.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nearly 49% of middle and high school students reported being screened for tobacco use, and 47% were told to avoid it.
  • Youth reporting severe psychological distress had nearly double the percentage of past-month tobacco use compared to their peers without distress (18.4% vs. 7.7%).
  • Higher levels of distress were not associated with a greater likelihood of receiving advice, and these associations did not differ by tobacco use.
  • The study analyzed responses from over 18,000 students nationwide, and highlights the need for stronger efforts in youth behavioral health to include tobacco prevention and treatment.
  • Experts say health clinics and plans need to improve screening and advising about tobacco in national quality measures that now include youth ages 12 and up.
  • The researchers hope their findings will encourage quality improvement efforts across the country.

Statistics:

  • 49% of middle and high school students reported being screened for tobacco use.
  • 47% of middle and high school students were told to avoid tobacco.
  • 12.5% of students reported severe psychological distress.
  • 18.4% of students with severe psychological distress reported past-month tobacco use, compared to 7.7% of students without distress.
  • Youth with excessive psychological distress had 42% higher odds of being screened.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. (2025, October 20). Screening happens, but advice falls short. Mental Health Weekly Digest.
  • Zheng, S., et al. (2022). Gaps in supporting youth tobacco use prevention and treatment despite mental health challenges. Pediatrics Open Science, 1(3), e1135. (doi: 10.1542/ops.2022-1135)
  • Tobacco Cessation Policy Research Center. (n.d.). Researchers find gaps in supporting youth tobacco use prevention and treatment despite mental health challenges.
  • University of California - Davis Health. (n.d.). UC Davis Researchers Find Gaps in Supporting Youth Tobacco Use Prevention and Treatment Despite Mental Health Challenges.