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. 1997 Aug;87(8):1345–1348. doi: 10.2105/ajph.87.8.1345

Cigarette smoking attitudes and first use among third- through sixth-grade students: the Bogalusa Heart Study.

K J Greenlund 1, C C Johnson 1, L S Webber 1, G S Berenson 1
PMCID: PMC1381098  PMID: 9279273

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study examined cigarette smoking attitudes, peer and parental influence, and first use among children in southeastern Louisiana. METHODS: Data from 933 children in grades 3 through 6 in the Bogalusa Heart Study (1993 through 1994) were analyzed. RESULTS: Fifteen percent of the children had tried smoking. Of these, 40% first smoked with a family member, and 46% obtained their first cigarette from a family member or from home. Correlates of ever having smoked were race, sex, having a best friend or family member who smoked, and attitudes that smoking is disgusting and that nonsmokers get better grades. CONCLUSIONS: Prevention programs should begin early and focus on family and peer influences as well as attitudes.

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Selected References

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