Socio-economic differences in smoking: Dutch adolescents' beliefs and behaviour

Smoking behaviour is more frequent among those who have a low than those who have a high socio-economic status. The present study confirms that this is also true for Dutch adolescents. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether adolescents with a low socio-economic status (LSES) have different motives for smoking or non-smoking than those with a high socio-economic status (HSES), the aim being to formulate more specific recommendations for prevention strategies for the various groups. HSES adolescents perceived a stronger association between smoking and a number of health-related, personal and social disadvantages, while linking smoking more clearly with the discovery of the taste and with relief from boredom than LSES adolescents. LSES adolescents viewed smoking as a way of meeting people. HSES adolescents experienced less positive norms and less social pressure towards smoking than did LSES adolescents. Smoking among LSES adolescents seems to be embedded in the social culture, and has a stronger social function. Smoking prevention programmes for this group will have to be integrated into a broader, community-based approach, which should also pay attention to the smoking behaviour of the social environment in general and that of the parents in particular. Finally, improved legislation with regard to smoking prevention will be required, in order to facilitate the adoption and implementation of smoking prevention programmes.