What modifiable factors are associated with cessation intentions among smoking youth?

PURPOSE

To examine how smoking behaviour and beliefs, physical activity and weight, and social influences are associated with intentions to quit smoking among youth.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study used self-reported data collected from 26,379 grade 9 to 12 students in Ontario, Canada.

RESULTS

Intending to quit smoking was positively associated with students believing that they could quit smoking, being moderately active, and having smoking friends. Male smokers were less likely to intend to quit smoking than female smokers. Intending to quit smoking in the next 30 days was positively associated with students believing that they could quit smoking and being highly active, and negatively associated with being overweight and having three or more smoking friends.

CONCLUSION

These findings provide insight for researchers and practitioners interested in understanding the factors which may promote smoking cessation among smoking school-aged populations.