181394 Using the Ecological Model to Explore College Student Smoking

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Christine Ahmed , Department of Health Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ
Abstract

Key Words: Ecological Model, Social, Smoking, College Students, Cessation

Title: Using the Ecological Model to Explore College Student Smoking

Smoking peaked at 40 percent of college students in 2000. The objectives of this study were to study ecological factors related to college student smoking such as the influence of media pressure on college students smoking, stress related to continued smoking and support for smoking cessation. A quantitative and qualitative survey developed by the author was given to a sample of university students in 2005. Quantitative survey results indicated 27 percent of students smoked, 16 percent of this was described as occasional smoking in social situations. Qualitative survey results indicated students indicated they felt targeted by media and tobacco advertising, bars and party life encourage social smoking, and stress is a major cause of continued smoking and a variety of approaches are necessary for college students to quit smoking. The results of this study strongly support the theory of ecology related to factors that increase smoking in college students.

Learning Objectives:
Participants will read and discuss quantitative and qualitative data on college students smoking. participants will read and discuss indepth findings related to the ecological model.

Keywords: Smoking, College Students

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the primary investigator
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Preventing & Treating Tobacco Use Among Youth & Young Adults
See more of: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs