Parental Smoking and Children's Attitudes Toward Smoking
Author Information
Author(s): Anna V. Wilkinson, Sanjay Shete, Alexander V. Prokhorov
Primary Institution: The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
Hypothesis
Parental smoking affects their children's smoking initiation through both imitation of the behavior and effects on attitudes toward smoking.
Conclusion
Children of smokers were more likely to smoke and reported more favorable attitudes toward smoking compared to children of non-smokers.
Supporting Evidence
- Children of smokers had increased odds of ever smoking.
- Positive attitudes toward smoking were stronger among children of smokers.
- Parental smoking influences children's attitudes toward smoking.
Takeaway
If your mom or dad smokes, you might think smoking is okay and be more likely to try it yourself.
Methodology
Cross-sectional survey of high school students using unconditional logistic regression.
Potential Biases
Differential participation rates may have biased results toward the null.
Limitations
The study is based on self-reported data, limiting causal conclusions, and does not account for past parental smoking.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 569 males (40.1%) and 848 females (59.8%), with a mean age of 15.66 years; 51% identified as Hispanic, 39% as Black, and 6% as White.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.03–1.68; 95% CI: 1.51–3.10
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website