Effects of Family-Related Activities on Adolescent Smoking in the United States: Evidence from a Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Worldwide, Smoking is one of the most critical public health issues. On the other hand, different levels of family activity may explain adolescent smoking behaviors. Therefore, this longitudinal study examines the effect of family activities on adolescent Smoking in the United States. 4966 American adolescents aged 12-18 years are used for analysis between 1980-2015. Family process criteria (peer influence, control variables, and Smoking) are used to collect data. Kaplan- Meier survival analysis and logistic regression are used to analyze the data. The results showed that women less likely smoke than men. The same is true for blacks compared to white. Children separated from the family are 20 percent more likely to smoke, and adolescents with high physical activity levels are less likely to smoke before age 16. Moreover, moderate sport reduces risk of smoking by 15%, so people who were more physically active were less likely to smoke during adolescence, but parental education was not related to smoking. Developing standard programs with adequate education and social reinforcement and the efforts of families and communities to engage in sports activities reduced adolescent smoking.