The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #39978

E. Lisako Jones-McKyer, MPH¹, William J. Bailey, MS, MPH¹, and Mohammad Rahim Torabi, PhD, MPH². (1) Indiana Prevention Resource Center, Indiana University, 2735 East 10th Street Room 110, Bloomington, IN 47408, 812 855-1237, elisakoj@indiana.edu, (2) Dept. of Applied Health Sciences, Indiana University, HPER 116, 1025 E. 7th Street, Bloomington, IN 47405

While it is known that social support has an influence on youth smoking behaviors, there is a paucity of detailed information about how particular types of support (e.g., informational, emotional) and specific sources of support (e.g., parents, peers) impact youth smoking behavior. This study examines the relationship between more specific aspects of social support and youth smoking behaviors. Data from 31 separate surveys, of a total of 26,718 Indiana youth in 6th through 12th grades, using the Search Institute's "Profiles of Student Life: Attitudes and Behaviors," were aggregated for analysis.. Comparisons were made between parental and peer support on youth smoking behaviors. Youth smoking behaviors were bivariately categorized, based upon daily and monthly use (i.e., smoker and non-smoker). Social support measures were developed from responses to individual survey items, and from composite indicators of "developmental assets," as defined by the Search Institute. Additionally, developmental differences were assessed. Correlation and regression techniques were used to analyze the data. Perceived support from both parental and peer support were negatively associated with youth smoking behaviors. Both "internal" and "external" developmental assets were shown to be protective against youth smoking.

Learning Objectives: Session participants will be able to

• Describe the impact of parental and peer support on youth smoking behaviors,
• Identify types of social support and their respective influence on youth smoking, and
• Identify how social support interventions can be incorporated for smoking prevention/intervention program planning.

Keywords: Smoking, Youth

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employed by Indiana Prevention Resource Center