Factors associated with former smokers among female adolescents in rural Virginia

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Angela J. Huebner - , Department of Paediatrics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Author)
  • Lauren Shettler - , Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Author)
  • Jennifer L. Matheson - , Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Author)
  • Peggy S. Meszaros - , Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Author)
  • Fred P. Piercy - , Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Author)
  • Sean D. Davis - , Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Author)

Abstract

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.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)167-173
Number of pages7
JournalAddictive behaviors
Volume30
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2005
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 15561457

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • Adolescents, Current smokers, Female, Former smokers, Rural