Cigarette Use Among Miami's Public School Students, 1992

ABSTRACT

This analysis examines cigarette smoking by 829 adolescents in Dade County, Florida public schools during 1992. Statistically significant factors which tend to increase the probability of smoking by adolescents include: the fact that their peers smoke, the fact that they are white, the fact that they are male, the ready access these adolescents have to the substance, and the fact that someone in their families has a problem with drugs or alcohol. Although not statistically significant, adolescents were more likely to smoke if they knew of the risks associated with smoking. Hence, the typical user may be a risk-taker, enjoying the dangers involved with cigarettes.

The only statistically significant variable which inhibits the use of cigarettes by Miami adolescents is the fact that their father resides with them. The presence of a father in the household decreased the probability of smoking by adolescents. Although the mother's presence also had the same effect, this was not significant. If they indicated religion was an important part of their lives, adolescents were less likely to smoke, but again this variable did not achieve statistical significance. Not significantly related to smoking are a number of other variables, including family-related variables (whether adolescents live alone). Similarly, early alcohol consumption did not serve as a gateway to later initiation into cigarettes. School-related factors including academic performance, and extracurricular school activities (athletics, music, school clubs, and other activities) were all unrelated to the use of cigarettes by adolescents.