Differential characteristics of adolescent smokers and non-smokers.

This survey concerning adolescent smoking behavior includes an 82 percent sample of the entire 8th and 11th grades of a rural school. A relatively high incidence of smoking is noted when compared with national statistics. No differences between smokers and non-smokers were found with respect to knowledge of smoking effects, athletic self-perception, or exposure to the smoking behavior of teachers, physicians, dentists, or clergy. Significant differences were found with respect to exposure to the smoking behavior of parents, siblings, and peers. A significant association between smoking males and depression was noted. Efforts are in process to decrease peer smoking exposure by altering school policy. It is predicted that success in decreasing opportunities for exposure will result in a lower incidence of smoking in this population.