Cigarette smoking attitudes and first use among third- through sixth-grade students: the Bogalusa Heart Study

Objectives. This study examined cigarette smoking attitudes, peer and parental influence, and first use among children in southeastern Louisiana. Methods. Data from 933 children in grades 3 through 6 in the Bogalusa Heart Study (1993 through 1994) were analyzed. Results. Fifteen percent of the children had tried smoking. Of these, 40% first smoked with a family member, and 46% obtained their first cigarette from a family member or from home. Correlates of ever having smoked were race, sex, having a best friend or family member who smoked, and attitudes that smoking is disgusting and that nonsmokers get better grades. Conclusions. Prevention programs should begin early and focus on family and peer influences as well as attitudes. (Am J Public Health. 1997;87:1345-1348)