Factors associated with intention to smoke cigarettes among never smoker school going adolescents in Zambia.

BACKGROUND

Cigarette smoking intention is a strong predictor of cigarette smoking initiation. There is limited data on predictors of cigarette smoking intentions among adolescents in developing countries.

OBJECTIVE

To determine factors associated with cigarettes smoking intentions among never-smoked adolescents.

METHODS

The study utilized the Zambia 2011 Global Youth Tobacco Survey dataset on adolescents.

RESULTS

Being in grade nine compared to grade seven (AOR 0.43, 95%CI 0.23-0.82). Having a smoking father (AOR 2.38, 95%CI 1.25-453) mother (AOR 11.77, 95%CI 4.16-33.33), or both parents (AOR 7.05, 95%CI 2.91-17.10) showed significantly higher chance of having smoking intentions than having non-smoker parents. Also, having some (AOR 1.97, 95%CI 1.12-3.47), most (AOR 5.37, 95%CI 2.82-10.25), or all (AOR 3.75, 95%CI 1.64-8.56) smoker close friend was significantly associated with smoking intention compared to having none-smoker friends. Being around others who smoked in out-door places 1-2 days (AOR 2.16, 95%CI 1.19-3.93), 5-6 days (AOR 3.21, 95%CI 1.51-6.83) and 7 days/week (AOR 2.73, 95%CI 1.41-5.30) were also associated with one's intention to smoke cigarettes compared to not being around smokers in outdoor public places 7 days/week.

CONCLUSION

Having smoking parents, smoking friends or around people who smoke in public places were associated with cigarette smoking intentions among adolescents.