An examination of ethnic differences in cigarette smoking intention among female teenagers

To describe and compare predictors of cigarette smoking intention, as defined by the theory of planned behavior, among African American, Puerto Rican, and non-Hispanic white female teenagers.

A convenience sample of 430 English-speaking female teenagers (141 African American, 146 Puerto Rican, and 143 non-Hispanic white teenagers), aged 13-19 years, who were patients at family planning clinics in eastern Pennsylvania. The data were obtained through a self-administered questionnaire.

Regression analyses demonstrated attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control predicted 70% of the variance in smoking intention in African American, 69% in Puerto Rican, and 88% in non-Hispanic white teenagers. In addition, ethnic group differences were identified. For African Americans, smoking intention was mediated principally by perceived behavioral control, whereas for Puerto Rican and non-Hispanic white teenagers, attitudes were the greatest predictor of intention to smoke. Moreover, non-Hispanic white smokers had a stronger intention to smoke than either the African American or Puerto Rican smokers.

Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States, with the majority of smokers initiating the habit in their teen years. Nurse practitioners are in key positions to counsel young women about the dangers of smoking. The identification of cultural-specific predictors of smoking will assist in the development of tailored antismoking messages.