Previous research has shown that 8% to 10% of nonsmokers initiated smoking during their first year of military service despite a period of forced abstinence during boot camp. To our knowledge, no studies have looked at the influence of peers and role models on the initiation of smoking among U.S. Air Force personnel who recently completed boot camp. This cross-sectional study examined the role of perceived peer norms, roommate influence, role model influence, perceived norms of all active duty personnel, and depressive symptoms in the initiation and reinitiation of smoking among 2,962 Air Force technical training students. Previous nonsmokers were more likely to initiate smoking if they perceived that the majority of their classmates smoked (OR=1.67, 95% CI[1.05–2.67]) and if they reported that their military training leader or classroom instructor used tobacco products (OR=1.69, 95% CI[1.12–2.56]). Additionally, previous nonsmokers were more likely to initiate smoking if their roommate smoked (OR=1.67, 95% CI[1.09–2.56]). Similar results were seen with previous smokers who perceived that the majority of their classmates smoked (OR=1.63, 95% CI[1.03–2.58]) and if they reported that their military training leader or classroom instructor used tobacco products (OR=1.95, 95% CI[1.29–2.94]). Our study suggests that military role models who use tobacco, peer smoking behavior, and perceived smoking norms increase the likelihood of smoking initiation among newly enlisted military personnel who have recently undergone a period of forced abstinence.
Peer and role model influences for cigarette smoking in a young adult military population
Green, KJ., Hunter, CM., Bray, R., Pemberton, M., & Williams, J. (2008). Peer and role model influences for cigarette smoking in a young adult military population. Nicotine and Tobacco Research, 10(10), 1533-1541. https://doi.org/10.1080/14622200802398763
Abstract
Publications Info
To contact an RTI author, request a report, or for additional information about publications by our experts, send us your request.
Meet the Experts
View All ExpertsRecent Publications
Article
What's in a name? A data-driven method to identify optimal psychotherapy classifications to advance treatment research on co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorders
Article
Grandi Byen-supporting child growth and development through integrated, responsive parenting, nutrition and hygiene
Article
Effects of additional context information in prescription drug information sheets on comprehension and risk and efficacy perceptions
Article