Sports activity and the use of cigarettes and snus among young males in Finland in 1999-2010

Abstract

BackgroundStudies of the relationship between sports activity and smoking among adolescents and young adults report contradictory results. We examined the association between sports activity (intensity and type of sport) and the current use of snus (Swedish snuff), cigarette smoking, and the combined use of cigarettes and snus (dual use) among young males in Finland.MethodsData were collected from 16,746 male conscripts who completed a survey during the first days of their conscription during the years 1999-2010 (median age 19 years, response rate 95%). Main outcome measures were self-reported daily/occasional use of snus, cigarette smoking, and dual use. The association between sports activity, type of sport, and several sociodemographic background variables was assessed using logistic regression analysis.ResultsOver the study period (1999-2010), the prevalence of cigarette smoking decreased from 42% to 34%, while snus use increased from 5% to 12%, and dual use increased from 7% to 13% (p < 0.001). Compared with no physical activity, regular competitive sports activity (defined as high-intensity sports activity) was positively associated with use of snus (odds ratio [OR] 10.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.8-13.5) and negatively with cigarette smoking (OR 0.2; 95% CI: 0.1-0.3). When stratified by type of sport in multivariate models, ice hockey was most strongly associated with snus use (OR 1.6; 95% CI: 1.4-1.9) and dual use (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.8-2.3) compared with those not playing ice-hockey, followed by other team sports for snus use (OR 1.5; 95% CI: 1.3-1.8) and dual use (OR 1.8; 95% CI: 1.6-2.0) compared with those not participating in other team-sports.ConclusionsOur results show a clear association between snus use and intensity and type of training. Team sports were associated with increased use of snus and dual use compared with no participation in team sports. These findings should be acknowledged when planning and implementing preventive strategies.

Coaches’ Health Promotion Activity and Substance Use in Youth Sports

“…Users of snuff have reported the social benefits of using snuff, which is exclusively amongst males [34]. The popularity of snuff use has recently increased among Finnish young men [28]. The men that were interviewed in Helme and colleagues' study, stated the social bonding far outweighed the health benefits of not taking part [34].…”

“…The use of snuff has been reported to be more common among sports club participants than non-participants [27]. Ice-hockey is an example of sports where many athletes, especially male, have reported regular snuff use in the Nordic countries [28].…”

Association of smoking and snuffing with dental caries occurrence in a young male population in Finland: A cross-sectional study

“…This is true especially in areas where it is easily available. In addition, negative health effects of snuff are poorly known, which may increase its' use particularly among physically active persons [4].…”

“…According to those reports, the prevalence of smoking has decreased, whereas that of snuffing has increased in all age groups during the past three decades [3]. The same phenomenon has been reported also among a young male population in Finland [4]. According to the Adolescent Health and Lifestyle Survey in 2011, 25.4% of the 18-year-old boys were daily smokers and 14.4% used snuff occasionally or every day.…”

Sport and scholastic factors in relation to smoking and smoking initiation in older adolescents: a prospective cohort study in Bosnia and Herzegovina

“…5 7 18 Participation in sport is often considered as a potentially effective way of reducing the tendency of adolescents to smoke cigarettes. [19][20][21][22] Indeed, when comparing groups of adolescent athletes versus non-athletes, there is a lower prevalence of smoking in those involved in sports. [23][24][25] However, when sport participation was analysed more specifically, there were some conflicting findings with the association between sports and cigarette smoking.…”