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Objective: To examine the relation­ship between adolescents' cigarette smoking experiences and alternative tobacco product (ATP) use. Methods: Multiple indicators and multiple causes (MIMIC) models estimated simultane­ously the relationship between ciga­rette smoking experiences and ATP use among high school students (N=1827) completing the 2009 Virginia Youth To­bacco Survey. Results: Overall, ATP use was associated with adolescents' ever use of cigarettes, early onset of ciga­rette smoking, cigarettes smoked per day, and peer smoking; however, im­portant model differences between ra­cial/ethnic groups were observed. Con­clusions: Prevention and cessation pro­grams might reduce adolescent ATP use by targeting specific characteristics of cigarette smoking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare patterns of water pipe and cigarette smoking in an eastern Mediterranean country. Methods: In 2008, 1781 out of 1877 seventh graders enrolled in 19 randomly selected schools in Irbid, Jordan, were surveyed. Results: Experimentation with and current water pipe smoking were more prevalent than cigarette smoking (boys: 38.7% vs 26.8%; 20.2% vs 9.0%, girls: 21.2% vs 9.5%; and 7.5% vs 2.3%, P<0.05 for all). Parent- and peer-smoking correlated more strongly with water pipe than with cigarette smoking. Conclusion: Water-pipe smoking is more prevalent than cigarette smoking at this early age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the prevalence and potential health risks of waterpipe tobacco smoking. Methods: A literature review was performed to compile information relating to waterpipe tobacco smoking. Results: Waterpipe tobacco smoking is increasing in prevalence worldwide; in the United States, 10-20% of some young adult populations are current waterpipe users. Depending on the toxicant measured, a single waterpipe session produces the equivalent of at least 1 and as many as 50 cigarettes. Misconceptions about waterpipe smoke content may lead users to underestimate health risks. Conclusion: Inclusion of waterpipe tobacco smoking in tobacco control activities may help reduce its spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the feasibility of implementing cessation interventions in Syria. Methods: We randomized 50 smokers to either a brief or intensive behavioral cessation intervention. Adherence to treatment and cessation through 3 months postcessation were calculated. Results: Adherence in the intensive group was only moderate and was associated with smoking for more years and higher self-efficacy. Cessation rates in the brief and intensive intervention groups were 16% and 4%, respectively. Nicotine dependence predicted abstinence at 3 months. Conclusion: Important barriers to cessation included perceived dependence, lack of access to pharmacotherapy, poor social support, and water pipe smoking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine if nicotine's effects are influenced by caffeine in nonsmoking, moderate-caffeine consuming individuals (N = 20). Methods: The first 3 sessions included one of 3 randomly ordered, double-blind caffeine doses (0, 75, or 150 mg, oral [po]) and 2 single-blind nicotine gum doses (2 and 4 mg) in ascending order. The fourth session (single blind) repeated the 0 mg caffeine condition. Results: Nicotine increased heart rate and subjective ratings indicative of aversive effects, and decreased reaction times. These effects were independent of caffeine dose and reliable across sessions. Conclusions: In nonsmokers, nicotine effects are not influenced by moderate caffeine doses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]