Scott T Leatherdale1, Paul W McDonald. 1. Division of Preventive Oncology, Cancer Care Ontario, 620 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 2L7. scott.leatherdale@cancercare.on.ca
Abstract
BACKGROUND: To examine if the recommended taxonomies for the stages of youth smoking onset are aligned with the beliefs of smoking youth. METHODS: The SHAPES Tobacco Module was administered to 23,047 students (grades 9 to 13) in a convenience sample of 29 secondary schools during the 2000-2001 school year in the province of Ontario, Canada. Cross-tabs were used to compare a student's self-perceived smoking status to their smoking status as determined with the currently recommended stage taxonomies for smoking behaviour. RESULTS: The majority of students classified as regular smokers (52.4%) and experimental smokers (98.9%) did not actually consider themselves to be smokers. Self-reported smoking status appeared to be relatively consistent for the never smoker and established smoker categories. CONCLUSIONS: Additional research is required to develop stage taxonomies that are aligned with the self-perceptions of non-established youth smokers.
BACKGROUND: To examine if the recommended taxonomies for the stages of youth smoking onset are aligned with the beliefs of smoking youth. METHODS: The SHAPES Tobacco Module was administered to 23,047 students (grades 9 to 13) in a convenience sample of 29 secondary schools during the 2000-2001 school year in the province of Ontario, Canada. Cross-tabs were used to compare a student's self-perceived smoking status to their smoking status as determined with the currently recommended stage taxonomies for smoking behaviour. RESULTS: The majority of students classified as regular smokers (52.4%) and experimental smokers (98.9%) did not actually consider themselves to be smokers. Self-reported smoking status appeared to be relatively consistent for the never smoker and established smoker categories. CONCLUSIONS: Additional research is required to develop stage taxonomies that are aligned with the self-perceptions of non-established youth smokers.
Authors: Jennifer O'Loughlin; Joseph DiFranza; Rachel F Tyndale; Garbis Meshefedjian; Elizabeth McMillan-Davey; Paul B S Clarke; James Hanley; Gilles Paradis Journal: Am J Prev Med Date: 2003-10 Impact factor: 5.043