Risk perception and stages of smoking acquisition

Sílvia Font-Mayolas, Ma Eugènia Gras, Montserrat Planes, Josefina Patiño, Mark J M Sullman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The purpose of this descriptive survey was to investigate the risk perceptions of smoking in a sample of 1,510 Spanish adolescents (49.1% males; mean age = 14.03; SD = 1.28). In addition, the present research categorised adolescents into one of the four stages of smoking acquisition, as described by the Transtheoretical Model of Change (TMC): Precontemplation (not thinking about trying smoking in the next 6 months), Contemplation (thinking about trying smoking in the next 6 months), Preparation (thinking about starting smoking in the next 30 days) and Action (smokers), by gender and age. The results showed that age and risk perceptions are important variables in the progression through the stages of change towards regular tobacco consumption (Action stage). These results clearly demonstrate the importance of starting anti-smoking campaigns at an early age to prevent smoking acquisition or the thought of starting in the near future. These findings also highlight the need to continuously remind adolescents about the negative consequences of smoking.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)117-122
Number of pages6
JournalHealth and Addictions / Salud y Drogas
Volume13
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Risk perception
  • Spanish adolescents
  • Stages of acquisition
  • Survey descriptive study
  • Tobacco

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