Working youth are at increased risk for tobacco use. Few studies have examined social influences in the work environment that may contribute to tobacco use among working adolescents. The purpose of this study is to examine social influences, social norms, and social support on smoking and quitting behavior among adolescent workers. Data were collected among employed adolescents ages 15-18 who participated in a cross-sectional survey administered in 10 grocery stores. Eighty-four percent (n=394) of teens responded to the survey. Thirty-six percent of respondents reported never smoking, 23% had not smoked in the last 12 months, 10% smoked less than monthly, 13% smoked less than daily, and 17% smoked daily. Daily smokers reported significantly greater worksite encouragement to quit than less than monthly and less than daily smokers (p<.0002). Perceived non-acceptability of smoking among coworkers and peers was higher among never smokers and those who had not smoked in the last 12 months than those who smoked more frequently (p<.01). Co-worker smoking norms and global support from co-workers were not associated with smoking frequency. However, the interaction of sex and quit-specific social support was positively associated with intention to quit; this association was stronger for males than females (p< .04 for interaction). These data suggest a need for worksite interventions to integrate co-workers, family and friends in the delivery of smoking prevention and cessation programs and further develop different strategies for male and female workers.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe the influence of several social factors on tobacco use of employed adolescents. 2. Discuss associations between a) social norms and social support of family, peers, and co-workers, and b) frequency of tobacco use and smoking cessation. 3. Develop a worksite tobacco use intervention that incorporates social influences
Keywords: Tobacco, Adolescent Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.