by Aimee Keenan-Greene

Nearly 6 million teens in the US smoke , despite the knowledge it is addictive and leads to disease.

Now scientists say a simple conversation with the doctor about not lighting may make a difference for kids who smoke.
 
A new study published online today that will soon appear in the June 2011 issue of Pediatrics found physicians who talk about the dangers of smoking with teens had a positive impact on their knowledge of the effects of smoking, tobacco use, intentions to quit and success of quitting.
 
In the study, “Physician Communication Regarding Smoking and Adolescent Tobacco Use” , lead author Ashley Hum, MS, et al,  says 5,154 kids participated in the retrospective observational study (82.9% black, 17.1% white) from an urban, mid-South school system. Outcome variables included adolescents' self-rated attitudes toward smoking, knowledge about smoking, intentions to smoke, tobacco use, and quitting behaviors. 
 
Scientists say physician advice increases quit rates 1-3 percent above unassisted quit rates among adults. 
Now, researchers say the teens intentions to smoke in five years were lower among smokers who discussed their habit with the physician. 
 
Those who do smoke were more likely to plan on quitting and make more attempts to quit. 
 
The authors say this underscores the value and benefits of physician communication regarding smoking for teens.
 
Approximately 1,000 teens become new daily smokers, every day, in the US.