Adolescents Speak: Why do we Smoke?

To assess the role of different factors that are associated with initiation and continuation of adolescent smoking. A total of 2535 students (1465 males and 1070 females) between the age groups of 14 and 19 years were selected from four schools and two colleges of the city by two-stage cluster sampling design for this cross-sectional study. The prevalence of cigarette smoking was 21.58%. Smoking was found to be considerably influenced with having seen best friend, father, sibling and favorite movie star smoke and also with receiving pocket money. Experimentation of substance use, motivated by family members, peer groups and the surrounding environment is common among adolescents and starts early in life. Therefore, it is necessary to come up with health promotion programs directed toward students which encourage attitude shaping among them toward self-confidence and healthy life style.