Authors: Jansen, Paul; Toomey, Traci L.; Nelson, Toben F.; Fabian, Lindsey E.A.; Lenk, Kathleen M.; Forster, Jean L.

Source: American Journal of Health Education, Volume 42, Number 3, May/June 2011 , pp. 154-160(7)

Publisher: American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance

Abstract:

Background: Few studies have described youth cigarette sources in terms of whether the cigarettes were free or purchased. Understanding the different ways youth obtain tobacco can guide development of interventions to more effectively reduce youth smoking. Purpose: To determine the propensity for youth to purchase cigarettes versus obtain cigarettes for free, and the factors associated with each obtainment method. Methods: Our sample included 812 youth ages 12-17 who reported ever smoking a whole cigarette. Our outcome was the source of the last cigarette smoked (purchased vs. free) and independent variables included demographics, smoking behaviors, and smoking status of parents/siblings/friends. We conducted logistic regression to assess relationships between outcome and independent variables. Results: Eighty-four percent of youth obtained their last cigarette for free and 16% purchased their last cigarette. Youth who smoked less and had less weekly spending money were more likely to have obtained their last cigarette for free. Discussion: Youth smokers appear to have a high propensity to obtain their cigarette for free, particularly those who smoke relatively infrequently. Translation to Health Education Practice: Interventions that target sources of free cigarettes have the potential to reduce the progression of youth smoking at a critical stage in its development.

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2011-05-01

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• The American Journal of Health Education (AJHE) is a rigorously refereed journal, published bi-monthly under the auspices of the American Association for Health Education, and indexed in over ten databases. AJHE provides meticulously reviewed articles that report original research findings, systematic state-of-the art reviews on key topics, contemporary viewpoints and developments in the field of Health Education, commentaries, descriptions and accounts of strategies that promote the health of populations in community, health care, and worksite settings, teaching ideas for educational settings from pre-K to higher education, and recent resource materials. Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES) may earn Category I continuing education credit hours through two self-study articles per issue of AJHE.
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