Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: Employing a multi-ethnic sample of 3,400 Toronto high school students, this paper explores the relationship between ethnic identity and tobacco use. Additionally, four measures drawn from social learning theory, including peer and sibling smoking and two measures of acculturation, are included to investigate their mediating effects on adolescent smoking. Logistic regression results indicate that tobacco use varies considerably among adolescents of differing ethnic identities. Adolescents of European decent are considerably more likely than other youth to smoke, while Chinese, South Asian and East Indian, and West Indian youth are less inclined to smoke relative to adolescents from other ethnic backgrounds. Mediator model results demonstrate that adolescents who have peers and siblings who smoke have a considerably greater risk of smoking, whereas young people resist acculturation have a lowered smoking risk. Growing up in Canada increases an adolescents risk of smoking. Upon closer inspection, it is clear that peer and sibling smoking and acculturation mediates smoking among only a handful of ethnic groups, namely Western and Southern European youth, and adolescents who identity as South Asian and East Indian. Meanwhile, Eastern European, Chinese, and West Indian youth continue to exhibit distinct smoking patterns despite the presence of mediating influences.

Publication Type: Abstract
Abstract: Rationale: In recent years, a number of states and localities have implemented bans on smoking in private workplaces. While these bans may have the effect of reducing own smoking, much of the motivation for adopting these bans was to reduce exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). Little research has comprehensively examined this issue while also paying attention to own smoking and the effect of other policies such as cigarette taxes.

Objectives: The objective of this paper is to examine the effect of state and local smoking bans in the workplace on exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, taking account of own smoking and other policies.

Methodology: This paper will use difference-in-differences methods to examine own smoking and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke before and after imposition of state and local bans on smoking in the workplace. We will study bans in California (and possibly other states) that staggered implementation in different types of workplaces, such as restaurants and stand-alone bars. We will use data from the California Tobacco Use Surveys, the Tobacco Use supplements to the Current Population Survey, and the California Department of Health Bar Establishment Surveys. We will combine these data with contextual information on smoking bans, cigarette taxes, and other public policies toward tobacco. Our empirical models will include controls for demographic characteristics and economic conditions as well as location and time.

Results: Preliminary results indicate that statewide bans on smoking in private worksites are associated with significant increases in the likelihood that affected workers report a complete ban on smoking at their worksite. For smoking bans that cover bars and restaurants, these increases appear particularly strong for specific groups of affected workers, such as bartenders and waiters/waitresses. When completed, this project will identify the degree to which these increases in reported ban presence have reduced own smoking and exposure to ETS. Preliminary results also suggest a sizable reduction in own smoking among bartenders and waitstaff after the California bans were implemented.

Conclusions: State and local bans on smoking in private worksites are becoming increasingly popular. While reducing exposure to environmental tobacco smoke is a main motivation for adoption of these bans, little research has carefully examined the effects. Our preliminary results from California suggest that these bans have been effective at increasing the likelihood that affected workers report comprehensive smoking restrictions at their place of work. The final goal of this research—understanding the degree to which these bans have ultimately been effective at reducing ETS exposure and own smoking—is important for a comprehensive evaluation of these policies.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: This study reports the relationship between regularly viewing actors smoking on television or in movies and smoking susceptibility among 2,507 high school students, ages 14 to 18, who reported they had never smoked before. Logistical regression analysis indicated an increased level of susceptibility was associated with frequent viewing of actors smoking. This relationship was stronger among younger than older adolescents and among females compared to males. Additionally, tests indicated significant interactions between sex, age and viewing actors smoking when predicting adolescents’ susceptibility to smoking.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The operationalization of social influence in the theory of planned behavior is very limited. Only the perception is measured whether important others would approve or disapprove it if a person performs a certain behavior. However, more types of social influence can be discerned and it is hypothesized that the conceptualization of the social factor should be broadened. This study brings together the fragmentary knowledge on social influence factors related to smoking cessation. An inventory of social influence variables shows six social influence factors. With the exception of descriptive norm, most of these are rarely studied in the context of smoking cessation. Regression analyses on the data of 1,107 smokers is used to estimate the relative importance of social influence variables as predictors of intention and smoking cessation behavior. The regression analysis show that the subjective norm is not the most important social influence variable. It has more effect if other people tell a smoker to quit. The effect of the injunctive norm, that is the perceived acceptability of smoking in society, is similar to the effect of the subjective norm. Results suggest that health campaigns should incite social interaction between smokers and non-smokers. Also, studies into smoking cessation should take account of the various social influence factors that are outlined in this study.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The present research utilizes structural equations modeling to simultaneously investigate the role of influence and selection on adolescent smoking behavior over two time periods. The extant literature on peer influence and selection in smoking behavior of adolescents is reviewed and hypotheses are advanced in accord with the network theories of evolution and homophily. Findings suggest that the proportion of in-degree and out-degree to intending smokers both uniquely predict adolescent smoking behavior, even when prior smoking is controlled.