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Multiple correlates of cigarette use among high school students
R J McDermott1, P D Sarvela, P N Hoalt
1University of South Florida, College of Public Health, Dept. of Community and Family Health, Tampa 33612.
The Journal of School Health
|April 1, 1992
Summary
Nearly 15% of senior high school students surveyed reported occasional cigarette use, with smoking rates varying by ethnicity and grade level. Key predictors included peer influence, substance use, and self-esteem.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Adolescent smoking remains a significant public health concern.
- Understanding factors influencing cigarette use in high school students is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key predictors of cigarette smoking among senior high school students.
- To examine demographic and social factors associated with adolescent smoking behaviors.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey design was employed with 2,212 senior high school students.
- Regression analysis was used to determine significant predictors of cigarette use.
Main Results:
- 14.3% of students reported occasional smoking, and 5.3% were daily smokers.
- Significant predictors included ethnic group, peer influence (friends' and best friend's smoking), personal marijuana and alcohol use, attitude toward females who smoke, and school self-esteem.
- Smoking rates varied by ethnicity, with Hispanic students reporting higher occasional use (22%) compared to Caucasian (15%) and African-American (4.5%) students.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent smoking is influenced by a complex interplay of social, environmental, and personal factors.
- Findings highlight the need for school health programs addressing peer influence, substance use, and self-esteem to prevent and reduce adolescent smoking.