Smoking and associated factors among young Swedish females.
OBJECTIVE
To analyse the smoking habits of young females and various associated factors.


METHODS
Cross-sectional population study; questionnaire with fixed-response options.


METHODS
Upper secondary schools in the municipalities of Ludvika and Smedjebacken in central Sweden.


METHODS
524 girls aged 16-19; response rate 85%.


METHODS
Social smoking, daily smoking, heavy smoking.


RESULTS
The following causes of social smoking among 16-17-year-old girls were identified: a dismissive attitude to the danger of smoking, maternal smoking, and being sexually experienced. A dismissive attitude to smoking and maternal smoking were the corresponding causes among 18-19-year-olds. A practical school curriculum, lack of interest in sports, smoking by one's best friend, maternal smoking, and a desire for weight control were the causes of daily smoking among 16-17-year-olds. Smoking by one's best friend, maternal smoking, and a dismissive attitude to smoking were the corresponding causes among 18-19-year-olds.


CONCLUSIONS
The most important cause of social smoking among female 16-19-year-olds was a dismissive attitude to the dangers of smoking. The causes of daily smoking and heavy smoking were more complex, particularly among 16-17-year-olds, and included various social characteristics and habits of the respondents.
Herlitz
C
C
Dalarna Research Institute, Falun, Sweden.
Westholm
B M
BM
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden; D014504:Urban Health