"Am I Not Native Enough?" A Qualitative Exploration of Experienced Discrimination Among American Indian/Alaska Native Emerging Adults

Centuries of trauma, displacement, and discrimination have taken a toll on American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) life expectancy and health outcomes. Despite resilience, AI/AN emerging adults (EAs) face mental and behavioral health disparities, including substance use, posttraumatic stress, and suicide. Research has consistently shown that AI/AN EAs are at risk of experiencing discrimination, which can range from linguistic taunts to physical threats and violence, as well as institutional discrimination. Discrimination is a key driver of health, and yet, there has been limited research to understand what types of discrimination events occur in this population, and how these experiences may be perceived and processed by AI/AN EAs. Interviews with a subsample of 20 participants from a larger clinical trial explored dimensions of discrimination, including types of experiences; perceived motivation and impact; and how participants coped. Results highlight nuances in experienced discrimination, including vivid accounts of verbal and physical aggression. Some participants identified teachers or highly educated colleagues who were perceived to contribute to the problem. A surprising finding was the experience of discrimination in social interactions with tribal communities and other minority groups. This complements prior evidence of discrimination in and around AI/AN areas, suggesting that additional mechanisms of discrimination should be studied further. Results also highlight how participants were resilient, for example, by accessing support in the form of tribal workshops or professional mentoring. This study highlights opportunities for additional research, as well as actionable details that could inform programming to help AI/AN EAs cope with discrimination.

Predictor of smoking cessation among school-going adolescents in Indonesia: a secondary analysis based on the transtheoretical model of behavioral change

Introduction

This study elucidates the complex journey of adolescents toward smoking cessation, investigating the association of relevant demographic factors, advertising, promotion, anti-cigarette messages, and individual knowledge and attitudes with being in different smoking cessation stages.

Methods

Utilizing data from the 2019 Indonesia Global Youth Tobacco Survey, this secondary analysis included adolescents who reported ever smoking. The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) guided the categorization of the outcome variable into three smoking cessation stages based on the responses to two questions related to the intention and timing of the smoking cessation. This included contemplation, action, and maintenance stages. Multinomial logistic regression analyzed the associations between each independent variable and being in each stage of smoking cessation. The study comprised 3596 Indonesian adolescents from grades 7-12, of which 2484 responded to two questions related to intention and timing of smoking cessation and were included in regression analysis.

Results

Findings indicate that males and those aged ≥16 were predominantly in contemplation phase. Early smoking initiation, usage of other tobacco products, and exposure to various forms of smoke increased the likelihood of being in contemplation and action phases. Parental smoking, school smoking exposure, and second-hand smoke were significant contemplation phase predictors. Exposure to tobacco advertising was linked to an increased likelihood of being in contemplation and action phases, whereas anti-cigarette messages showed no significant impact. Awareness of cigarette and second-hand smoke harms reduced the odds of being in the contemplation phase, while enjoying smoking and willingness to accept cigarettes from friends increased the odds of being in contemplation and action phases rather than in maintenance phase.

Conclusion

Addressing age, gender, cultural influences, environmental factors, and attitudes towards smoking through tailored interventions is vital for aiding smoking cessation in Indonesian adolescents. Strengthened tobacco control in schools and public places is recommended to bolster these efforts. Longitudinal studies are required to explore the evolving patterns of smoking cessation behaviors over time, enhancing our understanding of the factors influencing sustained cessation.

Voices of Identity: Exploring Identity Development and Transformation among Urban American Indian/Alaska Native Emerging Adults

Emerging adulthood shapes personal, professional, and overall well-being through identity exploration. This study addresses a gap in the minority identity literature by investigating how urban AI/AN emerging adults think about their identity and discussing challenges and protective factors associated with exploring their identity holistically. This mixed-methods study created a sampling framework based on discrimination experiences, cultural identity, social network support, mental health, and problematic substance use. We recruited 20 urban AI/AN emerging adults for interviews. We sought to gain deeper insights into their experiences and discussions surrounding identity formation and exploration. We provide descriptives for demographic characteristics and conducted a thematic analysis of the qualitative data from the interviews. Four themes emerged: a) being an urban AI/AN emerging adult means recognizing that one's identity is multifaceted; b) a multifaceted identity comes with tension of living in multiple worlds; c) the trajectory of one's identity grows over time to a deeper desire to connect with Native American culture; and d) understanding one's Native American background affects one's professional trajectory. Findings underscore the importance of developing programs to support well-being and identity development through cultural connection for urban AI/AN emerging adults.

To Educate or To Incarcerate: Factors in Disproportionality in School Discipline

The school-to-prison pipeline describes the process by which school suspension/expulsion may push adolescents into the justice system disproportionately based on race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and gender. The current study moves the field forward by analyzing a survey of a diverse sample of 2,539 students in 10^th to 12^th grade in Southern California to examine how demographic, individual, and family factors contribute to disparities in office referral and suspension/expulsion. African Americans, boys, and students whose parents had less education were more likely to be suspended/expelled. Higher levels of student academic preparation for class, hours spent on homework, and academic aspiration were associated with less school discipline. Findings suggest that helping students engage in school may be protective against disproportionate school discipline.

Predictors of the occurrence of smoking discontinuation in novice adolescent smokers

BACKGROUND

While long-term cessation is an outcome of interest in adult smokers, little is known about discontinuing smoking in adolescent smokers. The objective was to identify the predictors of the occurrence of smoking discontinuation in novice smokers.

METHODS

Data were available for 620 adolescent smokers participating in a longitudinal study on the natural course of nicotine dependence. Data on smoking discontinuation (i.e., stopping smoking for ≥12 consecutive months) were collected in 20 cycles over five years from grade 7 to 11 (1999-2005). Data on 37 potential predictors representing a wide range of demographic, psychosocial, health, lifestyle, smoking-related, and context-related characteristics were collected once, 2 to 3 times, or 20 times. Pooled logistic regression was used to test the association between each potential predictor and smoking discontinuation, adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Forty percent of 620 participants discontinued smoking during follow up. Male sex [OR (95% confidence interval), 1.8 (1.3-2.4)], age [1.3 (1.1-1.5)], cigarette package warnings [0.6 (0.5-0.9)], team sports participation [1.4 (1.1-1.9)], family stress [0.7 (0.6-1.0)], worrying about weight [0.6 (0.5-0.9)], overweight [0.7 (0.5-1.0)], illicit drugs use [0.5 (0.4-0.7)], tolerance [0.6 (0.4-1.0)], and other nicotine dependence symptoms [1.0 (0.9-1.0)] were statistically significantly associated with smoking discontinuation.

CONCLUSIONS

Both individual and context-level factors were associated with smoking discontinuation.

IMPACT

Programs and policy targeting novice adolescent smokers may be more effective if factors associated with long-term smoking discontinuation are taken into consideration. In particular, young smokers may need help with dependence symptoms, body weight issues, family functioning, and polysubstance use. Cigarette package warnings may be effective in helping adolescents discontinue smoking. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(6); 1090-101. ©2014 AACR.

Moderated mediation analysis: An illustration using the association of gender with delinquency and mental health

PURPOSE

When researchers find an association between two variables, it is useful to evaluate the role of other constructs in this association. While assessing these mediation effects, it is important to determine if results are equal for different groups. It is possible that the strength of a mediation effect may differ for males and females, for example - such an effect is known as moderated mediation.

DESIGN

Participants were 2532 adolescents from diverse ethnic/racial backgrounds and equally distributed across gender. The goal of this study was to investigate parental respect as a potential mediator of the relationship between gender and delinquency and mental health, and to determine whether observed mediation is moderated by gender.

FINDINGS

Parental respect mediated the association between gender and both delinquency and mental health. Specifically, parental respect was a protective factor against delinquency and mental health problems for both females and males.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Demonstrated the process of estimating models in Lavaan, using two approaches (i.e. single group regression and multiple group regression model), and including covariates in both models.

Temporal associations between substance use and delinquency among youth with a first time offense

OBJECTIVE

Substance use and delinquency among adolescents have been shown to be positively associated; however, the temporal relationship is not well understood. Examining the association between delinquency and substance use is especially relevant among adolescents with a first-time substance use related offense as they are at-risk for future problems.

METHOD

Data from 193 adolescents at time of diversion program entry and six months later was examined using cross-lagged path analysis to determine whether substance use and related consequences were associated with other types of delinquency across time.

RESULTS

Results demonstrated that delinquency at program entry was related to subsequent reports of heavy drinking and alcohol consequences, but not marijuana use or its consequences. In contrast, alcohol and marijuana use at program entry were not related to future reports of delinquency.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings emphasize the need to build in comprehensive assessments and interventions for youth with a first time offense in order to prevent further escalation of substance use and criminal behaviors.

The impact of family and parental education on adolescents' substance use: a study of U.S. high school seniors

This study explores the impact of family structure and parental education on adolescents' substance use using a racially diverse sample of 14,268, 12th-grade high school adolescents. Findings reveal that family structure affects adolescents' substance use. In addition, racial differences are noted. African American adolescents report a relatively lower rate of substance use compared to White and Hispanic adolescents, yet they are gravely affected by substance use outcomes. The study lends further support that family structure and parental education variables may buffer adolescents from substance abuse influences. Implications for practice and policy are discussed.

Marijuana and alcohol use and attempted smoking cessation in adolescent boys and girls

BACKGROUND

This study sought to determine the relationship between the frequency of current marijuana and alcohol use and cigarette quit attempts in male and female adolescent smokers.

METHODS

Data from a cross-sectional survey of health behaviors in high-school-aged adolescents were analyzed. Current cigarette smokers (n = 804) who reported use of at least 1 cigarette in the past month were divided into those with and without a history of at least 1 quit attempt (a self-reported episode of trying to "stop smoking"). Logistic regression models were fit to describe the association between the frequency of marijuana/alcohol use and a history of cigarette quit attempts.

RESULTS

Among the total sample, higher-frequency marijuana use (more than 6 times in the past 30 days) and frequent binge drinking (more than 5 days of binge drinking in the past 30 days) decreased the odds of having a past cigarette quit attempt (higher-frequency marijuana: adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.36-0.86; frequent binge drinking: AOR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.29-0.83). A significant gender interaction was observed for the relationship between higher-frequency marijuana use and a history of cigarette quit attempts (P = .03), with decreased odds in boys (AOR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.22-0.77) but not in girls (AOR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.37-1.33).

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescent smokers who report higher-frequency marijuana use or frequent binge drinking have a decreased likelihood of a history of a cigarette quit attempt. The gender-related association between higher-frequency marijuana use and a history of quit attempts suggests that boys with greater substance use may need particularly intensive support to initiate quit attempts.

A randomized controlled trial of a group motivational interviewing intervention for adolescents with a first time alcohol or drug offense

Group motivational interviewing (MI) interventions that target youth at-risk for alcohol and other drug (AOD) use may prevent future negative consequences. Youth in a teen court setting [n=193; 67% male, 45% Hispanic; mean age 16.6 (SD=1.05)] were randomized to receive either a group MI intervention, Free Talk, or usual care (UC). We examined client acceptance, and intervention feasibility and conducted a preliminary outcome evaluation. Free Talk teens reported higher quality and satisfaction ratings, and MI integrity scores were higher for Free Talk groups. AOD use and delinquency decreased for both groups at 3 months, and 12-month recidivism rates were lower but not significantly different for the Free Talk group compared to UC. Results contribute to emerging literature on MI in a group setting. A longer term follow-up is warranted.

Short-term efficacy of nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation in adolescents: a randomized controlled trial

The aim of this randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial is to test the efficacy and safety of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in promoting end-of-treatment abstinence among adolescents and whether this relation is moderated by medication compliance. Participants (N=257, age: 16.7±1.13 years) attended an information meeting followed by a 6- or 9-week treatment. Self-reported smoking cessation, compliance, and side effects were measured by means of online questionnaires. Intent-to-treat analyses showed that independent of compliance, NRT is effective in promoting abstinence rates after 2 weeks (OR=2.02, 95% CI=1.11-3.69), but not end-of-treatment abstinence. However, end-of-treatment abstinence rates significantly increased in high-compliant (OR=1.09, 95% CI=1.01-1.17) and not in low-compliant participants. No serious adverse events were found. Future research is warranted to disentangle the process involving the decrease in abstinence rates and compliance rates from the third week after the quit date onwards.

The role of ethnic pride and parental disapproval of smoking on smoking behaviors among minority and white adolescents in a suburban high school

BACKGROUND

Adolescence is a critical developmental period when tobacco use is initiated and progression to regular smoking occurs. Another growing concern is the mounting evidence of ethnic/racial disparities in the smoking rates and adverse health consequences related to smoking. To reduce ethnic/racial disparities in smoking behaviors, understanding the protective influences against smoking behaviors among minority adolescents is important. Therefore, we examined the role of ethnic pride and parental disapproval of smoking on a wide range of smoking behaviors in ethnic/racial minority and White adolescents attending a suburban high school in Connecticut.

METHODS

A total of 870 adolescents (ethnic/racial minority: n= 202) completed questions on susceptibility to smoking, ever trying a cigarette, smoking at least one cigarette daily in the past 30 days, as well as parental disapproval of smoking and ethnic pride in a school-wide survey.

RESULTS

Logistic regression analyses indicated that perceived parental disapproval of adolescent smoking and ethnic pride were associated with susceptibility to smoking, ever trying a cigarette, and daily smoking differently for minority and White adolescents. For White youth, high parental disapproval of smoking was protective against all three smoking behaviors whereas ethnic pride was not. For minority youth, the combined protective effect of higher ethnic pride and higher parental disapproval of smoking was protective against all smoking behaviors.

CONCLUSION

The protective role of parental disapproval of smoking and ethnic pride on smoking behaviors may inform culturally sensitive smoking interventions aimed at diverse, multi-ethnic youth, and future studies are needed to examine this.

The development of an adolescent smoking cessation intervention--an Intervention Mapping approach to planning

The objective of this project was to develop a theory- and evidence-based adolescent smoking cessation intervention using both new and existing materials. We used the Intervention Mapping framework for planning health promotion programmes. Based on a needs assessment, we identified important and changeable determinants of cessation behaviour, specified change objectives for the intervention programme, selected theoretical change methods for accomplishing intervention objectives and finally operationalized change methods into practical intervention strategies. We found that guided practice, modelling, self-monitoring, coping planning, consciousness raising, dramatic relief and decisional balance were suitable methods for adolescent smoking cessation. We selected behavioural journalism, guided practice and Motivational Interviewing as strategies in our intervention. Intervention Mapping helped us to develop as systematic adolescent smoking cessation intervention with a clear link between behavioural goals, theoretical methods, practical strategies and materials and with a strong focus on implementation and recruitment. This paper does not present evaluation data.

Parental influence on adolescent smoking cessation: is there a gender difference?

We examined the association of parental disapproval of adolescent smoking and parental smoking status, with past smoking quit behaviors among daily-smoking, high school-aged adolescents, and also tested whether these associations differ for boys and girls. Adolescent regular smokers (N=253) completed questions on smoking behaviors, past smoking cessation behaviors, parental disapproval of smoking, and parental smoking. Past smoking cessation behaviors were defined as "the number of quit attempts that lasted longer than 24 hours" and "the longest number of days of abstinence". Logistic regression analyses showed that for all adolescents, even having one smoking parent was associated with decreased odds of being abstinent for longer than 2 days. However, for girls, not having any smoking parents was associated with greater duration of abstinence (>2 weeks). Having both parents, compared with not having any parents disapprove of smoking, was associated with greater number of quit attempts in boys, but this effect was not found in girls. The results indicate that parents have a salient role in adolescent smoking cessation behaviors, and this association appears to be gender-specific. However, further research is needed to understand the mechanisms that explain gender differences in parental influence on adolescent smoking cessation behaviors.

Aging images as a motivational trigger for smoking cessation in young women

Recruiting adolescents into smoking cessation programs has been challenging, and there is a lack of effective smoking cessation interventions for this age group. We aimed to assess whether the approach of using aging images can be used to recruit young, female smokers for a smoking cessation course. In this study, 853 14- to 18-year-old subjects were photographed (2006–2007). After software-aided aging, the images evoked strong emotions, especially in subjects with an advanced motivational stage to quit. Twenty-four percent of current smokers reported that the aging images increased their motivation to quit smoking (pre-contemplation: 8%; contemplation: 32%; and preparation: 71%). In multivariate analyses, the aged images had a high motivational impact to quit smoking that was associated with an increased readiness to stop smoking and the individual’s assessment of the aging images as shocking, but not with the number of previous attempts to quit and the assessment of the pictures as realistic. However, it was not possible to recruit the study population for a smoking cessation course. We concluded that aging images are a promising intervention for reaching young women and increasing their motivation to stop smoking. However, smoking cessation courses may not be appropriate for this age group: none of the recruits agreed to take a cessation course.

Gender differences in smoking: A longitudinal study of beliefs predicting smoking in 11-15 year olds

This longitudinal study investigated differences in beliefs and perceived behavioural control between smokers and non-smokers in a large sample of adolescents. Positive and negative instrumental beliefs, normative beliefs, perceived behavioural control (PBC) and smoking status were assessed in the same participants at 11, 13 and 15 years of age. Prospective analyses among non-smokers revealed that for boys, negative instrumental beliefs in non-smokers at age 11 predicted smoking at age 15 years. For girls, normative beliefs and PBC in non-smokers at age 11 predicted smoking status at age 13; normative beliefs at age 11 predicted smoking at age 15; and positive instrumental beliefs and normative beliefs at age 13 predicted smoking status at age 15. Cross-sectional data revealed that smokers were significantly more likely than non-smokers to endorse positive instrumental beliefs, less likely to agree with negative instrumental belief items, more likely than non-smokers to perceive social pressure to smoke, and less likely to report control over smoking, and that female smokers reported less control over smoking and fewer negative instrumental beliefs than all other groups including male smokers at age 13. The need for belief-based preventative interventions that are age- and gender-relevant is discussed.

Prevalence of youth cigarette smoking and selected social factors in 25 European countries: findings from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey

OBJECTIVES

To present Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) data on the prevalence of cigarette smoking and selected social factors among students aged 13-15 years in 25 European countries.

METHODS

The GYTS is a school-based survey of students aged 13-15 years. The GYTS was conducted in 25 European countries (2002-2005) and produced representative data for each country.

RESULTS

In 25 European countries studied, 22% of boys and 18% of girls smoked cigarettes. In 17 of 25 countries, current cigarette smoking did not differ between boys and girls. Exposure to secondhand smoke is very high throughout the 25 countries. Exposure to pro-tobacco indirect advertising (having tobacco company logos on promotional items and being given free cigarettes) is frequent throughout the countries.

CONCLUSIONS

Intensified efforts to lessen harm caused by tobacco use among youth in 25 European countries included in this study are urgently needed. These countries need to develop and implement comprehensive tobacco control programs including public education campaigns, cessation programs, enforcement of existing measures, and related policy efforts. The WHO FCTC provides a useful framework for implementing such a comprehensive approach.

Examination of a Process Model of Adolescent Smoking Self-Change Efforts in Relation to Gender

Little information describes how adolescents change their smoking behavior. This study investigated the role of gender in the relationship of motivation and cognitive variables with adolescent smoking self-change efforts. Self-report and semi-structured interview data from a prospective study of smoking self-change efforts were examined among 98 adolescent smokers ages 14-18 (55% female). Social disapproval motives and short-term consequence reasons for quitting, quit self-efficacy and intentions to quit were modeled in relation to prospective self-quit attempts assessed at a 6-month follow-up, separately by gender. Hypothesized mediating relationships were not supported although gender differences were noted. Social influence motives related to intention to quit and prospective self-quit attempts among girls. For boys, intention to quit predicted making a self-quit attempt. Findings emphasize the importance of examining adolescent models separately by gender and contribute to understanding of mechanisms involved in adolescent smoking change efforts.

Examining unsupervised time with peers and the role of association with delinquent peers on adolescent smoking

INTRODUCTION

This study explored the association between unsupervised time with peers and adolescent smoking behavior both directly and indirectly through interaction with delinquent peers, social expectancies about cigarette smoking, and cigarette offers from peers.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was used for the study and included 248 male and female middle school students.

RESULTS

Results of structural equation modeling revealed that unsupervised time with peers is associated indirectly with adolescent smoking behavior through the mediation of association with delinquent peers, social expectancies about cigarette smoking, and cigarette offers from peers.

DISCUSSION

Interventions designed to motivate adolescents without adult supervision to associate more with friends who engage in prosocial activities may eventually reduce adolescent smoking. Further implications for structured supervised time for students outside of school time are discussed.

Using demographics to predict smoking behavior: large sample evidence from an emerging market

Smoking and nicotine addiction are among the major preventable causes of disease and mortality. Being able to target promotional campaigns effectively relies on a good understanding of the demographics of smokers and potential smokers. This study reports on the results of a large sample survey of the demographics of smokers and non-smokers in South African townships. Using logistical regression, it finds that smokers tend to be significantly, older males who are less educated, and somewhat surprisingly, with no religious affiliation. Implications for public health policy are identified, and avenues for future research recognized.

"I did it my way"--an explorative study of the smoking cessation process among Danish youth

OBJECTIVE

To explore the smoking cessation process of adolescents and their attitudes and beliefs towards smoking cessation and cessation interventions.

METHOD

Focus group discussions and individual interviews during April-May 2004 with 26 persons aged 15-21 years who all initiated a quit attempt on 1 January 2004.

RESULTS

The approach towards all stages of the youth smoking cessation process varied greatly among both successful and unsuccessful quitters. Apart from 'commitment' or the amount of energy put into a cessation attempt, there were no differences in the way successful and unsuccessful quitters approached the quit attempt. 'Smoking friends' and 'social support' were important for maintaining cessation. Further, participants had negative attitudes towards formalized smoking cessation interventions.

CONCLUSION

There are many approaches to the smoking cessation process. Whether an attempt is successful depends more on individual conditions and the amount of commitment invested in the attempt than on the specific cessation strategy used.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Future adolescent smoking cessation interventions should be flexible regarding both structure and content and should focus on the individual learning process, rather than adhering to rigid cessation strategies.

Smoking to stay thin or giving up to save face? Young men and women talk about appearance concerns and smoking

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to investigate how young men and women smokers and non-smokers talk about the impact of smoking on appearance, with the aim of using these accounts to inform anti-smoking campaigns targeted at young people.

DESIGN

Volunteer smokers and non-smokers took part in 24 focus groups.

METHOD

Eighty-seven men and women aged 17-24 were asked to talk about impacts of smoking on appearance.

RESULTS

A thematic analysis of transcripts suggested that weight gain after quitting was only a significant concern for the younger (17-year-old) women. Non-smokers of both genders expressed concern about yellowing of skin and teeth if they started smoking, and women non-smokers were concerned about skin ageing. Smokers believed that smoking made them look 'cool', mature, and sophisticated and would quit only if skin ageing and other negative effects on appearance became visible.

CONCLUSIONS

Appearance concerns are relevant to the decision whether to start and quit smoking, and are linked to gender and age. Results are discussed in relation to implications for the development of age- and gender-relevant anti-smoking interventions.

What modifiable factors are associated with cessation intentions among smoking youth?

PURPOSE

To examine how smoking behaviour and beliefs, physical activity and weight, and social influences are associated with intentions to quit smoking among youth.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study used self-reported data collected from 26,379 grade 9 to 12 students in Ontario, Canada.

RESULTS

Intending to quit smoking was positively associated with students believing that they could quit smoking, being moderately active, and having smoking friends. Male smokers were less likely to intend to quit smoking than female smokers. Intending to quit smoking in the next 30 days was positively associated with students believing that they could quit smoking and being highly active, and negatively associated with being overweight and having three or more smoking friends.

CONCLUSION

These findings provide insight for researchers and practitioners interested in understanding the factors which may promote smoking cessation among smoking school-aged populations.

Predictors of smoking cessation processes among secondary school students

Many adolescents want to quit and have specific ideas on how they want to go about it. This study extended the search for factors related to different aspects of quitting. Four cross-sectional surveys of Queensland (Australia) secondary schools every three years over the past decade (1993, 1996, 1999, and 2002). A total of 9993 school students in grades 8 to 12 completed the survey. The data for 2451 students who had smoked in the last week (51% female) were used for the analysis of smoking cessation outcomes. The outcome measures for the study represented various smoking cessation outcomes, such as a desire to quit, attempts to quit, quitting for a week or more, and an intention not to be smoking in the following year. More than 60% of adolescent smokers are involved in the process of smoking cessation. The strongest predictor of cessation was whether or not students had actively influenced other students not to smoke. This finding supports the concept of involving adolescents more actively in prompting their peers to try quitting and supporting their efforts to quit smoking.

Predictors of attempted quitting and cessation among young adult smokers

BACKGROUND

This study compared young adult nonsmokers (n = 1216), light smokers (n = 406), and regular smokers (n = 360) on demographic, psychosocial, and behavioral characteristics, as well as identified predictors of attempted quitting and 6-month cessation among regular smokers.

METHOD

Participants were recruited from middle schools in 1985 (age 13) and assessed repeatedly through 2001 (age 29). Mail surveys were used to obtain information on smoking status and hypothesized predictors of cessation at age 23, and quit attempts and cessation occurring between ages 23-39 among regular smokers. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of quit attempts and 6-month cessation.

RESULTS

Among initial smokers, 76% attempted to quit and 26% quit for 6 months or longer between ages 23-29. Higher rates of substance use, illegal activity, poor mental health, and victimization were found among regular smokers than nonsmokers and lighter smokers at age 23. However, multivariate analyses indicated that these problems were less relevant to quitting than social transitions and interpersonal factors, demographics (e.g., race/ethnicity), and health status.

CONCLUSIONS

Different risk and protective factors are relevant to understanding why smokers attempt to quit versus why they are able to quit for 6 months or longer. We discuss implications of these findings for cessation interventions and programs for young adults.

Factors associated with former smokers among female adolescents in rural Virginia

We examined multiple ecological factors (individual, family, peer, school, and community) associated with female adolescent former smokers (FS), current smokers (CS), and never smokers (NS) in a sample of 2029 seventh to twelfth grade girls living in a rural area of Virginia. We were particularly interesting in examining variables related to FS. Compared to CS, FS reported lower levels of delinquency, less coping by taking drugs, less availability of cigarettes, and less alcohol and marijuana use. They also reported less depression, fewer suicidal thoughts, and fewer suicide attempts than CS. FS reported spending more time in community clubs, had higher self-esteem, obtained higher grades, had more parental monitoring, more parent attachment, and more school attachment than CS. Logistical regression analysis predicting current or former smoking status revealed significant effects on coping by taking drugs, alcohol use, depression, grades, parental monitoring, and perceived availability of cigarettes. The findings have implications for smoking intervention programs with adolescent girls in rural areas.

Time spent with friends who smoke and quit attempts among teen smokers

Social interactions, as well as pharmacological effects, can reinforce smoking behavior in adolescents and pose challenges to smoking cessation. We hypothesized that time spent with friends who smoke would be inversely related to both the number and duration of previous quit attempts for teens receiving smoking cessation treatment. Demographic- and smoking-related data were collected from 98 adolescent smokers enrolled in an accruing smoking cessation study (68% female, 70% Caucasian, mean age 15.3 years). Among smokers who had at least one quit attempt, time spent with friends who smoke was inversely associated with the number of prior quit attempts (chi(2)=9.55, P=.0085) but not with their duration, suggesting a potential relationship between an adolescent's affiliation with smoking peers, smoking identity, and fewer quit attempts.

Tobacco cessation in adolescent females in Appalachian communities

Adolescents who live in tobacco-growing areas use tobacco at earlier ages and more frequently than other youth. These adolescents, like all tobacco users, have many health risks. To be successful, cessation efforts targeting these youth must reflect the cultural, social, and economic import of tobacco in their communities. Six focus groups with girls aged 12 to 14 who lived in tobacco-growing communities in Appalachian Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia and 20 interviews with key informants were conducted. Barriers identified by informants included community norms around tobacco use, family use of tobacco, school practices and policies, peer influences, youth attitudes, and logistical difficulties with cessation program efforts. Key findings indicated: (1) the social community in tobacco-growing communities is a significant influence in tobacco use; (2) family is important among young people in tobacco-growing communities and influences cessation positively and negatively; (3) parental smoking was an influence to smoke (4) some parents condone and even facilitate tobacco use by their children, but others actively discourage use; and (5) concern for the health of younger brothers and sisters elicits a strongly protective reaction from youth in discussions of health risks related to secondhand smoke. Youth in tobacco-growing regions have many similarities to others, but they also have unique cultural characteristics pertinent in the development and delivery of tobacco cessation programs.

Differences in adolescent smoker and nonsmoker perceptions of strategies that would help an adolescent quit smoking

This study assessed adolescent smoker and nonsmoker perceptions of strategies that would help an adolescent smoker in his or her attempt to stop smoking. Surveys were distributed primarily in the schools at 4 geographic and ethnically diverse study sites. Respondents were 965 adolescents (49% female; 46% minority). Current smokers (n = 232) were asked to rate the extent to which they agreed or disagreed that supportive behaviors of friends and family, quitting strategies, or learning about quitting strategies would be helpful if they decided to quit. Nonsmokers (n = 733) were asked to indicate the degree to which they agreed or disagreed that these behaviors and strategies would be helpful if a friend decided to quit. Responses to each of the 33 attitude items were rated on a 5-point scale ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree. Marked differences were observed between smokers and nonsmokers in the level of agreement on each item. In general, smokers reported far less enthusiasm for cessation strategies than nonsmokers. After adjusting for gender, age, and other covariates, smoking status was the strongest independent predictor of the number of items endorsed as agree or strongly agree. The results have implications for the design of peer-based and other interventions for adolescent smokers.