Document Type

Journal Article

Department/Unit

Department of Sport and 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

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