African-Americans experience the highest rate of morbidity and mortality attributed to cardiovascular diseases, due in large part to their having the highest smoking prevalence rates among all ethnic groups. The majority of current research within adolescent smoking has focused on white populations and little has been conducted on populations of African-American adolescents. This study attempts to l) provide theoretical detail to the smoking Acquisition and behavior process of adolescent males and females, with a focus on African-American adolescents, and 2) delineate a theoretically-based framework for adolescent smoking interventions culturally sensitive to adolescent at- risk populations at all stages of the smoking process. A hypothesis has been developed based on theories and our preliminary study. The sample will consist of 6,579 adolescents who participated in 1989 and 1993 Teenage Attitude and Practices Survey (TAPS I and TAPS II) and were identified as nonsmokers or experimenters. Based on the developmental- causal model of smoking, theory of reasoned action, problem behavior theory, the social learning theory, and the depressive symptoms, a predictive model will be developed to examine developmental stages of smoking process. The findings are expected to increase our ability to reduce smoking rates among adolescents, which, in the long run, will reduce their cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Small Research Grants (R03)
Project #
1R03HL053338-01A1
Application #
2231202
Study Section
Clinical Trials Review Committee (CLTR)
Project Start
1995-09-30
Project End
1997-08-31
Budget Start
1995-09-30
Budget End
1996-08-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1995
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa
Department
Miscellaneous
Type
Schools of Education
DUNS #
City
Tuscaloosa
State
AL
Country
United States
Zip Code
35487
Wang, M Q; Fitzhugh, E C; Eddy, J M et al. (1998) School dropouts' attitudes and beliefs about smoking. Psychol Rep 82:984-6
Wang, M Q; Fitzhugh, E C; Turner, L et al. (1996) Association of depressive symptoms and school adolescents' smoking: a cross-lagged analysis. Psychol Rep 79:127-30