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 language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 117-122 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Health and Addictions / Salud y Drogas |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 2 |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2013 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Risk perception
- Spanish adolescents
- Stages of acquisition
- Survey descriptive study
- Tobacco