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Perspectives on Smoking Initiation and Maintenance: A Qualitative Exploration among Singapore Youth

Author

Listed:
  • Mythily Subramaniam

    (Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore)

  • Shazana Shahwan

    (Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore)

  • Restria Fauziana

    (Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore)

  • Pratika Satghare

    (Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore)

  • Louisa Picco

    (Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore)

  • Janhavi Ajit Vaingankar

    (Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore)

  • Siow Ann Chong

    (Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore)

Abstract

Studies among adolescents have shown that several important interpersonal, intrapersonal and environmental factors are associated with smoking behaviour. The current qualitative research project aimed to explore the determinants of smoking initiation and maintenance, from a youth perspective, among young people who smoked, living in a multi-ethnic Asian country. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with youths in Singapore in youth-friendly and accessible locations. Young people, from a variety of social contexts—varying on age, gender, ethnicity and educational level, were included in the study. All FGDs were conducted in English and participants were recruited using a mix of network and purposive sampling. All FGDs were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis, allowing themes to emerge from the data with the goal of answering the research question. Ninety-one youth smokers (54 males, 37 females), aged between 14 to 29 years, participated in the study. The majority were males (59%) and of Chinese ethnicity (52%). Participants identified multiple personal, social, and familial influences on young adults’ smoking behaviors. Peer and family influences, as well as risk minimization, played a key role in smoking initiation and maintenance. While young people were aware of policies that restricted smoking, these did not directly affect their decision to start smoking. The theory of triadic influence provided a promising theoretical framework to understand smoking initiation and maintenance in a sample of young adult smokers from a multi-ethnic Asian country. It also provides actionable information for initiatives to prevent smoking in young people, which includes their perspectives and emphasizes an inclusive approach without stigmatizing those who smoke.

Suggested Citation

  • Mythily Subramaniam & Shazana Shahwan & Restria Fauziana & Pratika Satghare & Louisa Picco & Janhavi Ajit Vaingankar & Siow Ann Chong, 2015. "Perspectives on Smoking Initiation and Maintenance: A Qualitative Exploration among Singapore Youth," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-15, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:12:y:2015:i:8:p:8956-8970:d:53506
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Breslau, N. & Peterson, E.L., 1996. "Smoking cessation in young adults: Age at initiation of cigarette smoking and other suspected influences," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 86(2), pages 214-220.
    2. Chun, JongSerl, 2015. "Determinants of tobacco use among Korean female adolescents: Longitudinal test of the theory of triadic influence," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 50(C), pages 83-87.
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    1. Michael Schreuders & Nikha T. Krooneman & Bas Van den Putte & Anton E. Kunst, 2018. "Boy Smokers’ Rationalisations for Engaging in Potentially Fatal Behaviour: In-Depth Interviews in The Netherlands," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-13, April.
    2. Dusko Bjelica & Kemal Idrizovic & Stevo Popovic & Nedim Sisic & Damir Sekulic & Ljerka Ostojic & Miodrag Spasic & Natasa Zenic, 2016. "An Examination of the Ethnicity-Specific Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Substance Use and Misuse: Cross-Sectional Analysis of Croatian and Bosniak Adolescents in Bosnia and Herzegovina," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-15, September.
    3. Anh Kim Dang & Bach Xuan Tran & Long Hoang Nguyen & Hoa Thi Do & Cuong Tat Nguyen & Mercedes Fleming & Huong Thi Le & Quynh Ngoc Hoang Le & Carl A. Latkin & Melvyn W. B. Zhang & Roger C. M. Ho, 2018. "Customers’ Perceptions of Compliance with a Tobacco Control Law in Restaurants in Hanoi, Vietnam: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-13, July.

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