My Parents Use Tobacco and or Drink; What about Me? Examining Parental Behavior and that of Senior High School Students in Ghana, West-Africa

Background: Adolescence is a critical period of growth and development. It is often characterized by exploration and experimentation including potential health-risk behaviors such as smoking and alcohol use. Several factors including parental behavior can positively or negatively influence youth behavior. This study examined the relationship between parental behavior and that of senior high school students in Ghana, West-Africa, concerning alcohol and tobacco use.

Methods: Data from the 2008 Ghana Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) was utilized. A total of 7,137 students participated in the 2008 GSHS. Complex samples analysis was utilized to calculate prevalence estimates and odds ratios focusing on child and parent tobacco/alcohol behaviors.

Results: Overall, 5.1% and 15.3% of students currently smoke and drink respectively. Significant associations were found between parental and student tobacco/alcohol use. Students whose parent(s) use any form of tobacco are 5.5 (95% CI: 1.9-15.7) and 8.8 (95% CI: 6.6-11.7) times more likely to have initiated smoking before age13 years and currently use some form of tobacco. Students whose parent(s) drink are 3.3 (95% CI: 2.4-4.5) and 3.1 (95% CI: 2.3-4.2) times more likely to currently drink and had binge drank at least once respectively compared to students with non-drinking parents. Conclusion: The current study provides evidence that parental alcohol and tobacco use is associated with child substance use among high school students in Ghana. This highlights the need to consider parental behavior as part of tobacco and alcohol use intervention efforts among this population.