Effect of Attitude of Parents and School on Smoking Status in High School Students in a Small City

Lee, Cheol; Ko, Bok Sang; Lee, Moo Sik; Lee, Mi Young

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Adolescent smoking is one of the most serious social problems. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of the attitude of parent and school on smoking status and to help to reduce the smoke rate in high school students.
METHODS
Data was collected by self-administered questionnaire between September and October 2002. The study subjects were 977 students of 7 high schools in the Nonsan area. The data was analysed by using the SPSS program which included t-test, X2-test and logistic regression test.
RESULTS
The smoking rates were 18.1% of general school students and 20.8% of vocational school in males, while 2.6% of general school students and 7.9% of vocational school in females. The mean starting age for the first cigarette was 15.3+/-1.9 in males and 15.6+/-1.3 in females. The mean age for regular smoking was 16.0+/-1.3 in males and 16.2+/-1.3 in females. Multiple logistic regression analyses indicated that the smoking rate increased in males (OR=2.75), early age for the first cigarette (OR=7.04), small family (OR=8.60), high family income (OR=1.95), colleagae smoking (OR=5.68), strict attitude by school (OR=0.28) and loss of one's parents (OR=2.58). Among smokers, 71.4% of male smokers and 75% of female smokers wanted to quit.
CONCLUSION
This study suggests that the strict attitude of parents on their children's smoking decreased the smoking rate, while the stern attitude of school on their students increased it. Therefore, in order to decrease smoking rate, the strict attitude of parents on smoking should be continued and the attitude of school will have to consider aspects of students' characteristics and their interests when they propose to practice a school-based education program. It may have an effect on smoking prevention and reduction of the smoking rate.