Regular tobacco use among American Indian and Alaska native adolescents: an examination of protective mechanisms.
American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) adolescents use tobacco at earlier ages and in larger quantities compared to non-AIAN peers. Regular tobacco use was examined against five protective factors (peer networks supportive of not using drugs, college aspirations, team sports, playing music, and volunteerism). Participants consisted of 112 adolescents between the ages of 13 and 19 who participated in a study testing the efficacy of a life-skills program aimed at reducing substance-related consequences. Findings indicated that, with the exception of prosocial peer networks and volunteerism, each of the above factors was significantly associated with a reduced probability of being a regular tobacco user. Gender differences were notable. These results hold important treatment implications regarding the reduction and prevention of tobacco use among AIAN youth.
RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403, USA. karenc@rand.org
Karen Chan
KC
Osilla
Heather S
HS
Lonczak
Patricia D
PD
Mail
Mary E
ME
Larimer
G Alan
GA
Marlatt
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D000413:Alaska / Q000453:epidemiology; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004930:Inuit / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012907:Smoking / Q000208:ethnology*; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000208:ethnology; D055815:Young Adult