SOME FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED RISK OF SMOKING BY CHILDREN

Summary In 1974 and 1975 over 6000 secondary schoolchildren in an English county answered questionnaires on their smoking behaviour, social activities and attitudes towards various issues. An analysis of the 1974 replies of those children who were present in both years revealed certain factors which were associated with an increased risk of smoking in 1975. The most important factors were the extent of the children's involvement in social activities, the smoking behaviour of their parents, siblings and friends, and their own attitudes and beliefs about smoking. Analysis examining the relationships between these factors further helped to explain the development of smoking among schoolchildren.