%0 Journal Article
%T Influence of Rural Non-Smoking Adolescents¡¯ Sense of Coherence and Exposure to Household Smoking on Their Commitment to a Smoke-Free Lifestyle
%A Olalekan A. Ayo-Yusuf
%A Masego M. Rantao
%J International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
%D 2013
%I MDPI AG
%R 10.3390/ijerph10062427
%X This 18-month longitudinal study examined the influence of adolescents¡¯ sense of coherence (SOC) and exposure to household smoking on their commitment to a smoke-free lifestyle. This study investigated a representative sample of 8th graders from 21 randomly selected high schools in the rural Limpopo Province of South Africa (n£¿=£¿2,119). Of the total sample of 2,119 participants, 294 (14%) reported smoking at baseline and were therefore excluded from further analysis. Of those who did not smoke at baseline, 98.1% (n£¿= 1,767) reported no intention of smoking in the upcoming 12 months. Of those who completed follow-up and had no intention of smoking at baseline (n£¿=£¿1,316), 89.1% still did not smoke and remained committed to being smoke-free. Having a lower SOC, reporting alcohol binge-drinking at baseline, and having a household member who regularly smokes indoors (OR = 0.46: 0.26¨C0.82), as compared to not having any smoker in the household, were associated with lower odds of honoring a commitment to a smoke-free lifestyle. Furthermore, those who identified themselves as black Africans, as opposed to belonging to other race groups, were more likely to maintain a smoke-free lifestyle. Our findings suggest that interventions to prevent adolescent smoking should prioritize stress-coping skills and promote smoke-free homes.
%K smoke-free households
%K adolescents
%K sense of coherence
%K South Africa
%U http://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/10/6/2427