Risky Behavior in Youth: An Analysis of the Factors Influencing Youth Smoking Decisions in Canada

• NCJ Number: 213965
• Journal: Substance Use & Misuse Volume: 41 Issue: 4 Dated: 2006 Pages: 467-487
• Author(s): Sally Tewolde; Brian S. Ferguson; John Benson
• Date Published: 2006
• Length: 21 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study identified variables related to smoking behavior among youth in Canada.

Abstract

Overall, the findings support the view that environment is a significant factor in whether and how much youth and young adults smoke cigarettes. The study found that having more friends who smoked and having a household member who smoked regularly inside the house increased the likelihood of being a smoker. Also, youths who believed that people were too concerned about second-hand smoke were more likely to be current daily smokers. In addition, youth and young adults in poorer health and who came from a single-parent family were also more likely to be smokers. Males were more likely to be current daily smokers than females. Generally, higher levels of education were related to a decreased likelihood of being a current daily smoker. Coming from a lower income bracket also increased the likelihood of being a smoker. Regarding the quantity of cigarettes consumed, males smoked more than females. Being in a lower income bracket and being more educated were related to a lower consumption of cigarettes daily by young adults. For young adults, being in better health also decreased the number of cigarettes smoked daily. Having a household member who smoked inside the home increased the number of cigarettes smoked daily. For young adults, as the number of years they had smoked increased, so did the number of cigarettes smoked daily. Data were obtained from the 1996-97 Canadian National Population Health Survey, which collects a range of health, socioeconomic (income, education, etc.), demographic, and sociopsychological (such as peer and reference group pressure) information. Using information from the survey, the study was able to determine whether youth were current daily smokers and the number of cigarettes smoked daily. Data were distinguished for the age groups 12-14, 15-19, 20-24, and 25-29. 4 tables and 13 references