Influence of rural non-smoking adolescents' sense of coherence and exposure to household smoking on their commitment to a smoke-free lifestyle

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2013 Jun 13;10(6):2427-40. doi: 10.3390/ijerph10062427.

Abstract

This 18-month longitudinal study examined the influence of adolescents' sense of coherence (SOC) and exposure to household smoking on their commitment to a smoke-free lifestyle. This study investigated a representative sample of 8th graders from 21 randomly selected high schools in the rural Limpopo Province of South Africa (n = 2,119). Of the total sample of 2,119 participants, 294 (14%) reported smoking at baseline and were therefore excluded from further analysis. Of those who did not smoke at baseline, 98.1% (n = 1,767) reported no intention of smoking in the upcoming 12 months. Of those who completed follow-up and had no intention of smoking at baseline (n = 1,316), 89.1% still did not smoke and remained committed to being smoke-free. Having a lower SOC, reporting alcohol binge-drinking at baseline, and having a household member who regularly smokes indoors (OR = 0.46: 0.26-0.82), as compared to not having any smoker in the household, were associated with lower odds of honoring a commitment to a smoke-free lifestyle. Furthermore, those who identified themselves as black Africans, as opposed to belonging to other race groups, were more likely to maintain a smoke-free lifestyle. Our findings suggest that interventions to prevent adolescent smoking should prioritize stress-coping skills and promote smoke-free homes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior*
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Environmental Exposure
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Rural Population / statistics & numerical data*
  • Self Efficacy
  • Sense of Coherence*
  • Smoke-Free Policy / trends*
  • Smoking / epidemiology*
  • South Africa / epidemiology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Tobacco Smoke Pollution / adverse effects*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Tobacco Smoke Pollution