Topic 2 Factors Associated with Youth Tobacco Produced Use
- Social and physical environments
- Youth are more likely to use tobacco products if they see people their age using these products.
- High school athletes are more likely to use smokeless tobacco than those of the same age who are not athletes.
- Young people may be more likely to use tobacco products if a parent uses these products.
- Biological and genetic factors
- There is evidence that youth may be sensitive to nicotine and that teens can feel dependent on nicotine sooner than adults.
- Genetic factors may make quitting smoking harder for young people.
- Smoking during pregnancy may increase the likelihood that the child will smoke cigarettes regularly in the future.
- Mental health: There is a strong relationship between youth smoking and depression, anxiety, and stress.
- Personal views: When young people expect positive things from smoking, such as coping with stress better or losing weight, they are more likely to smoke.
- Other influences that affect youth tobacco use include:
- Lower socioeconomic status, including lower income or education
- Not knowing how to say “no” to tobacco product use.
- Lack of support or involvement from parents
- Accessibility, availability, and price of tobacco products
- Doing poorly in school
- Low self-image or self-esteem