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. 1998 Jan;88(1):104–107. doi: 10.2105/ajph.88.1.104

Predictors of smoking among US college students.

K M Emmons 1, H Wechsler 1, G Dowdall 1, M Abraham 1
PMCID: PMC1508383  PMID: 9584013

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study explored predictors of smoking among a large, representative national sample of students enrolled in American 4-year colleges. METHODS: A sample of undergraduate students, randomly selected from 140 colleges, was sent a detailed questionnaire that included questions about smoking status. RESULTS: The 30-day smoking prevalence was 22.3%; 25% of the participants were former smokers. Multivariate analyses suggested that, among college students, men are less likely to smoke than women. In addition, high-risk behaviors (e.g., marijuana use) and lifestyle choices (e.g., nonparticipation in athletics) increased the likelihood of being a smoker. CONCLUSIONS: This study's findings have important implications for health education and promotion among college populations.

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Selected References

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