The role of family in adolescent smoking. Social influences and implications for social policy.

Abstract

Smoking in childhood and adolescence is associated with a range of health issues, as is the exposure of young people to the second hand smoke of their parents and other family members. The initiation of smoking in adolescence is also associated with an increased risk of smoking in adulthood and all the subsequent health problems that are attached to this. Whilst smoking rates in adolescent have fallen in recent years there remains a significant number of adolescent who initiate smoking every year, and this risk is higher in certain groups such as those from areas of low socio-economic status. Under-age adolescents also continue to be able to obtain cigarettes despite recent changes in legislation and availability. Social influence has been identified as a major causal factor of initiation of adolescent smoking. This can take place in a number of settings, including the home, at school and in the community. Whilst the evidence for the relative effects of these sources of influence is mixed there is an overall lack of research in the UK on familial influences and factors. A survey of 100 adolescents was conducted for the current study at a local college and included items on smoking behaviour, family structure and several other factors. No overall significant effects of parental attitudes were found. However in light of the existing literature recommendations are made to further research family and home influences and to develop anti-smoking health education strategies which more fully take these factors into account.