Factors Related to Early Smoking of High School Students in Daegu City and Gyeongsangbuk-do Province

Lee, Kyeong Soo; Kang, Pock Soo; Hwang, Tae Yoon; Kim, Sang Kyu

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to investigate the smoking rate and the related factors to early smoking of high school students.
METHODS
A questionnaire was administered to 920 students in 3 high schools in Daegu Metropolitan City and 3 high schools in smaller cities of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province from August to September 2003.
RESULTS
Of total respondents, 11.8% had experience of smoking. Of those, 20.2% citied 'curiosity', 9.0% cited 'upon recommendation of friends', and 6.2% cited 'stress management' as the main reason for their smoking. Separately, 53.1% responded 'habitually' and 26.5% responded 'stress management' as the main reason for continuing smoking. Of total former smokers, 68.4% said 'worry about their health' as the main reason for quitting smoking. Of those who failed to quit smoking, 58.7% cited 'weakness of will' as the main reason for their failure. Of total respondents, 10.8% were smoking currently. 'Smoking of family member'(p<0.01) and 'intent to smoke'(p<0.05) were significantly associated to early smoking of the subjects. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, 'higher levels of stress' and 'smoking of family member' were significant related factors to early smoking.
CONCLUSIONS
Amid growing number of early smokers, it is imminent to identify the actual state of smoking among young people and the factors influencing their smoking to prevent early smoking and discourage smoking. In addition, education programs need to be developed to assist early smokers in quitting smoking and prevent smoking among youth.