The role of gender in staying smoke-free in adolescence: Using a theory of planned behavior approach

Adolescents in grades 5 through 9 (ages 10-15) are most likely to first experiment with tobacco use. The ability to identify factors that contribute to adolescent smoke-free behaviour is critical to tobacco control initiatives. Further, examining potential gender differences in smoke-free behaviour may be beneficial to identifying and supporting smoking prevention initiatives tailored to male and female adolescents.

This thesis is a secondary analysis of data collected in Prince Edwards Island intermediate schools. Regression analyses were used to determine whether the theory of planned behavior (TPB) explained significant variation in smoke-free intentions and behavior among adolescents, and whether any of these relationships were moderated by gender. The relationship of gender-specific beliefs as they inform being smoke-free were also examined. Two samples of intermediate school students (500 students, grades 7-9) were analyzed and compared. Students completed a theory of planned behavior questionnaire to identify their beliefs about staying smoke free; thirty days later, students completed a follow-up questionnaire which measured actual smoke-free behavior.

Study results supported the predictive ability of the TPB, with self-efficacy emerging as a significant predictor of smoke-free intentions for all adolescents. Some significant gender differences were found; the smoke-free intentions of male students were significantly related to grade level, while those of females were not. Further, smoke-free behaviour was significantly more strongly predicted by PBC for some female students than for males. One major application of the findings, given areas of divergence and of similarity with earlier studies, is the need for further research on gender differences in remaining smoke-free.