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  • Title: The social context of smoking among African-American and white adolescents in Baltimore City.
    Author: Gittelsohn J, Roche KM, Alexander CS, Tassler P.
    Journal: Ethn Health; 2001; 6(3-4):211-25. PubMed ID: 11696932.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: To describe and understand variations in social influences on smoking behavior among African-American and white male and female adolescents in Baltimore City, USA. DESIGN: A qualitative study where adolescents, both smokers and non-smokers, were interviewed individually (n = 21) and participated in focus groups (n = 18 focus groups, 3-10 participants per group). RESULTS: Social contexts emerged as most relevant and salient themes related to smoking behavior. White females perceived the most permissive parental messages around smoking, while males, especially African-American males, reported receiving the strictest parental sanctions. Females' need to fit in with peers contrasted with males' being coerced to smoke. Possible reasons for African-Americans' non-use of cigarettes include a desire not to disrespect parents and being turned off by parental addiction to nicotine. All adolescents cited the school's lax anti-smoking policy as a reason teens smoke at school. CONCLUSION: Interventions targeted at schools and families offer promise for reducing adolescent cigarette use.
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