Document Type
Journal Article
Department/Unit
Department of Physical Education
Language
English
Abstract
Introduction: This study investigated the associations between the variables of the theory of planned behavior (TPB), influence of significant others, and smoking intentions and behaviors among adolescents living in rural southern China. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 2609 students in two junior high schools in rural Shantou, Guangdong province, using a self-administered questionnaire. Logistic regression models were fitted to estimate univariate and adjusted odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Results: Multivariate analyses showed that having favorable attitudes towards smoking on psychological and social aspects, perceived behavioral control, and having most friends who were current smokers were significantly associated with smoking intentions in the next six months and in the next five years. Having most family members who were current smokers was also significantly related to smoking intention in the next five years. Having favorable attitudes towards smoking on psychological aspect and negative attitudes on physical aspect, perceived support from friends on smoking, and having most friends and senior relatives being current smokers were significantly associated with increased likelihood of ever smoking. Perceived behavioral control and having most friends being current smokers were also significantly associated with regular smoking and smoking in the past 30. days. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the key constructs of the TPB model and friends' smoking behaviors play important roles in accounting for smoking intentions and behaviors among a sample of rural Chinese adolescents.
Keywords
Adolescents, Chinese, Rural area, Significant others, Smoking, Social influences, Theory of Planned Behavior
Publication Date
9-2015
Source Publication Title
Addictive Behaviors
Volume
48
Start Page
44
End Page
51
Publisher
Elsevier
Peer Reviewed
1
Copyright
Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Funder
This work was supported by the Oxford University Li Ka Shing Foundation [BXRMXT0- 004].
DOI
10.1016/j.addbeh.2015.04.005
Link to Publisher's Edition
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2015.04.005
ISSN (print)
03064603
ISSN (electronic)
18736327
APA Citation
Su, X., Li, L., Griffiths, S., Gao, Y., Lau, J., & Mo, P. (2015). Smoking behaviors and intentions among adolescents in rural China: The application of the Theory of Planned Behavior and the role of social influence. Addictive Behaviors, 48, 44-51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2015.04.005