Korean adolescents' smoking behavior and its correlation with psychological variables

The purposes of the study were to explore the prevalence of smoking behavior among Korean adolescents, reveal the factors affecting their smoking behavior, and identify a possible correlation between smoking behavior and psychological variables. A total of 1335 adolescents, randomly selected from junior high and high schools in Seoul, was surveyed. Four Korean-version questionnaires were used to assess adolescents' smoking behavior and their psychological attributes. Results indicated that 43% of adolescents responded that they had smoked a cigarette in their lifetime, and 26% are current smokers. Among current smokers (n=350), 61% of adolescents reported that they have smoked everyday. In addition, males were more likely to smoke in their lifetime and have currently smoked a cigarette than female counterparts. The adolescents aged 17-18 years had smoked a cigarette more than those in other age groups, and the rates of current smoking increased with ages as the trend in smoking experience. Among the five psychological variables, IHLC and self-efficacy significantly differentiated adolescents at different smoking status. IHLC, self-esteem, and self-efficacy were significantly correlated with smoking behavior. This study provides much need information about the relatively unstudied Korean adolescents in terms of their smoking issues and aspects of psychological attributes that relate directly to smoking.