This study identified determinants of cigarette use among 6th through 10th grade youth in Sarasota County (Florida) using the Community-Based Prevention Marketing (CBPM) model. CBPM is a community-directed process for promoting social change by applying marketing strategies and community organization principles to the design, implementation, and evaluation of health promotion and disease prevention programs. The study consisted of three phases: (1) qualitative research with youth; (2) quantitative survey research in Sarasota middle and high schools; and (3) qualitative research with parents. This presentation summarizes the quantitative survey data (n=2,407) focusing on logistic regression analyses identifying the best determinants of tobacco use. Over half (51%) of survey respondents reported “ever use” of cigarettes, 19% reported “recent use” (within the past 30 days), and 10% reported that they were either already a regular smoker or that they expected to become a regular smoker in the future. Statistically significant predictors of smoking initiation and recent use included: (1) low self-efficacy to refuse offers of cigarettes; (2) belief that smoking provides emotional benefits such as relaxation and dealing with problems; (3) belief that smoking does not taste bad; and (4) perceived low maternal disapproval of smoking. Despite other evidence of a recent trend toward less smoking among youth in Florida and some other states (e.g., Sly, Hopkins, Trapido & Ray, American Journal of Public Health, February 2001), these results underscore a need for multiple-component interventions that address individual, social, and environmental influences if new initiation and sustained use of cigarettes is to be minimized. See www.hsc.usf.edu/prc/
Learning Objectives: 1) To identify the factors that motivate youth to use tobacco; 2) To identify the factors that deter the use of tobacco among youth; 3) To identify effective information channels and spokespersons for preventing tobacco use among youth.
Keywords: Smoking, Health Promotion
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.