Correlates and predictors of smoking among black adolescents

Little is known about the etiology of cigarette smoking among minority populations. This study examines the correlates and predictors of smoking among inner-city black seventh graders (N = 608). Enhanced self-reports of cigarette smoking were collected along with data concerning demographic, social, and psychological factors hypothesized to promote smoking initiation. Results indicate that social environmental factors, such as the smoking status of friends and siblings, and individual factors, such as refusal assertiveness, general assertiveness, and age are predictive of current smoking. Similarly, the smoking status of friends, attitudes concerning the harmful effects of smoking, and low self-esteem concerning schools are predictive of behavioral intention to smoke in the future. Overall, the factors that were the most salient predictors of smoking for the black adolescents in this study are generally congruent with the existing literature for other populations.