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Smoking among young children in Hong Kong: influence of parental smoking
Article first published online: 16 AUG 2010
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2010.05419.x
© 2010 The Authors. Journal of Advanced Nursing © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Additional Information
How to Cite
Loke, A. Y. and Wong, Y. P. I. (2010), Smoking among young children in Hong Kong: influence of parental smoking. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 66: 2659–2670. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2010.05419.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 14 NOV 2010
- Article first published online: 16 AUG 2010
- Accepted for publication 18 June 2010
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- children;
- peer smoking;
- smoking cessation programmes;
- smoking parents
loke a.y. & wong y.p.i. (2010) Smoking among young children in Hong Kong: influence of parental smoking. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(12), 2659–2670.
Abstract
Aims. This paper is a report of a study comparing children with smoking parents and those with non-smoking parents, in terms of knowledge and attitude towards smoking and the influence of parents and peers on smoking initiation.
Background. Adolescence is a developmental stage when smoking habits are likely to start. Adolescents are most influenced by the smoking habits of their parents and friends.
Method. A cross-section study was conducted with students aged 13–15 years in two schools in 2008, using a questionnaire that collected information on the smoking habits of their parents and peers, knowledge and attitude towards smoking, initiation and inclination towards smoking. Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression were used to analyse the data.
Results. A total of 257 of 575 (44·7%) students had smoking parent(s), and 25·4% reported having peers who smoked. Children with non-smoking parents were more likely than those with smoking parents to consider ‘smoking as disgusting’ (67·3% vs. 45·9%), and to know that ‘smoking is addictive’ (80·5% vs. 70·4%) and ‘harmful to health’ (81·8% vs. 67·7%). More of those with smoking parents had tried smoking than those with non-smoking parents (13·2% vs. 3·8%).
Conclusion. Preventive programmes should involve smoking parents to increase their awareness of the impact their smoking has on their children. Interventions should include problem-solving skills for children to deal with daily stresses and thus eradicate the potential risk of smoking initiation.