Longitudinal effects of pro-tobacco and anti-tobacco messages on adolescent smoking susceptibility.
We examined the longitudinal impact of self-reported exposure to pro- and anti-tobacco media on adolescents' susceptibility to smoking, using in-school surveys from a culturally diverse sample. Ethnicity and acculturation also were examined as potential moderators. Middle-school students (N = 2,292) completed self-report questionnaires during the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Chi-square analyses were conducted to determine whether reported exposure to pro- and anti-tobacco media varied according to ethnicity, acculturation, and immigration status. Logistic regression models were used to examine whether pro- and anti-tobacco media exposure in 6th grade was associated with susceptibility to smoking by later grades. Recall of people smoking in television programs and pro-tobacco advertisements in stores was associated with adolescent smoking susceptibility. Exposure to anti-tobacco advertisements on television protected against susceptibility. No significant interaction effects between pro- and anti-tobacco media exposure on smoking susceptibility were found. Ethnicity and acculturation did not moderate these associations. Our longitudinal study provides evidence that pro-tobacco media and advertising increases susceptibility to smoking over time. More important, anti-tobacco advertisements are not sufficient to reduce the harmful effects of adolescent exposure to pro-tobacco media. Policy-level interventions such as restrictions in tobacco advertising may be necessary to prevent adolescent smoking.
Weiss
Jie Wu
JW
Division of Kinesiology and Health Science, California State University, Fullerton, CA 92834, USA. jweiss@fullerton.edu
Cen
Steven
S
Schuster
Darleen V
DV
Unger
Jennifer B
JB
Johnson
C Anderson
CA
Mouttapa
Michele
M
Schreiner
William S
WS
Cruz
Tess Boley
TB
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D000329:Advertising / Q000379:methods*; D002140:California; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008402:Mass Media; D010565:Persuasive Communication; D012107:Research Design; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology*; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D019460:Tobacco Industry / Q000379:methods