The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #71857

Yu-Mei Schoenberger, MPH¹, Connie L. Kohler, DrPH², Amy W Wear³, and Erin R. Smith, MPH¹. (1) Department of Health Behavior, University of Alabama at Birmingham, RPHB #227, 1665 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294-0022, 205 934 6020, yschoenb@bmu.dopm.uab.edu, (2) Department of Health Behavior School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, RPHB 227, 1530 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294-0022, (3) Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1530 3rd Avenue South, RPHB 227, Birmingham, AL 35294-0022

Introduction: Studies of adult smokers have shown a relationship between stage of change and both self-efficacy, and nicotine dependence. The purpose of this study is to determine if self-efficacy and nicotine dependence predict stage of change for quitting among adolescent smokers. Methods: Data were collected from 283 smokers aged 16-19. Nicotine dependence was computed based on time to first cigarette in the morning and after school. Self-efficacy to resist smoking was assessed by a six-item scale measuring confidence to resist smoking. Smokers were classified as precontemplators, contemplators, or in preparation. The relationship of self-efficacy and nicotine dependence to stage was assessed using multinomial logistic regression. Results: In this sample, 64% had a high level of nicotine dependence, 18% a moderate level, and 19% a low level. Mean self-efficacy for abstaining was moderate at 3.37. Thirty-two percent were in precontemplation, 39% in contemplation and 17% in preparation. Self-efficacy did not vary across stages. Adolescents with a high level of nicotine dependence were more likely to be in precontemplation (OR=14.2, CI (3.5, 58.2)) and contemplation (OR=3.7, CI (1.3, 10.5)) than in preparation. Conclusion: Adolescents’ self-efficacy to abstain from smoking did not vary with stage of change, but adolescents who were more nicotine dependent were significantly less likely to intend to quit in the near future. Implications: These data suggest that adolescents who are more heavily dependent upon nicotine are less likely to enter cessation programs until they are convinced that the benefits of quitting will outweigh the benefits of continued smoking.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to identify ways to recruit adolescents into a smoking cessation program
• In addition, the participant will be able to identify what type of adolescent smokers are more prone to want to quit smoking
• Lastly, the participant will be able to discuss what stages adolescent smokers are likely to be in based on level of nicotine dependence

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.