Social differences in smoking and snuff use among Norwegian adolescents
Author Information
Author(s): Grotvedt Liv, Stigum Hein, Hovengen Ragnhild, Graff-Iversen Sidsel
Primary Institution: Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Hypothesis
What are the social background factors associated with different types of tobacco use among Norwegian adolescents?
Conclusion
Tobacco use in adolescents is mainly associated with low educational ambitions and less affluent family economy.
Supporting Evidence
- More girls than boys were daily or occasional smokers.
- More boys than girls were daily or occasional snuff users.
- Daily smoking was more common among adolescents planning vocational education.
- Adolescents with parents from foreign countries were less likely to use tobacco.
Takeaway
This study found that kids who want to do vocational studies or come from families with less money are more likely to use tobacco.
Methodology
Cross-sectional, school-based study conducted among 15 and 16 year olds during 2000–2004.
Potential Biases
Self-reported data may be biased due to social desirability.
Limitations
All information is self-reported and collected at one point in time, which may lead to overreporting or underreporting of smoking habits.
Participant Demographics
Participants were 15 and 16 year old pupils from various counties in Norway, with a response rate of 87%.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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