ImpacTeen Research Papers
Exploring the Relationship Between Cigarette Smoking Among Adolescents and Adults in the United States
Tworek C, Giovino G, Yang J, Wakefield M, Cummings KM, Chaloupka FJ.
OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationship between state-specific estimates of youth and adult cigarette smoking prevalences, overall, and after adjusting for cigarette prices and strength of smoke-free air laws. METHODS: Crude relationships were determined using state-specific adolescent and adult smoking estimates from three national surveillance systems conducted during 1997, 1999, or 2000. Weighted least-squares regression analyses were conducted to assess crude and adjusted relationships between state-specific estimates of adolescent and adult smoking. RESULTS: In each crude analysis conducted, adolescent smoking prevalence was significantly and positively related to adult smoking prevalence. These relationships were attenuated, but generally persisted, after controlling for cigarette prices and strength of smoke-free air laws. CONCLUSIONS: Results support the premise that adult smoking influences adolescent smoking behavior. Funders and policy makers need to consider that an effective youth prevention strategy may be to curb smoking among adults.
Research Paper (PDF – 172KB)
Press Release (PDF – 12KB)
