Perceptions of tobacco use in early adolescents

In an effort to strengthen tobacco use prevention programs, this study explores early (9- to 13-year-old) adolescent motivations for and perceptions of use. Data were collected, via electronic keypads, from students visiting 12 health education centers in the U.S. (N=1433). Multivariate logistic regression showed that perceptions of frequent peer tobacco use and popularity of adolescent smoking, in addition to absence of family discussion of tobacco use, were associated with greater likelihood for smoking and of reporting past smoking. Even though most participants thought adolescents who smoke are very unpopular, more than 60% said the primary reason for adolescent smoking was that smokers believe it will make them popular. Participants thought the best way to prevent use was to give kids "other fun things to do instead." Recommendations are given for customizing curricula or programs.