Social class and smoking at age 15: the effect of different definitions of smoking

Sweeting, H. and West, P. (2001) Social class and smoking at age 15: the effect of different definitions of smoking. Addiction, 96(9), pp. 1357-1359. (doi: 10.1046/j.1360-0443.2001.969135715.x)

Abstract

Aim : To explore whether the association between social class and smoking among teenagers varies according to the definition of smoking adopted. Design, setting and participants : A survey of 2196 15-year-olds in 43 secondary schools in the West of Scotland. Measures : Current smoking status and number of cigarettes smoked, and social class based on the occupation of the head of the household. Findings : 'Current smoker' was the only category not significantly differentiated by class; the ratio of smokers from unskilled compared with professional backgrounds rose with increasingly stringent definitions of smoking. Conclusion : The extent to which teenage smoking is patterned by social class depends on the definition of smoking adopted.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Sweeting, Dr Helen
• Authors: Sweeting, H., and West, P.
• Subjects: H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Centre for Population and Health Sciences; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
• Journal Name: Addiction
• Publisher: Blackwell Publishing
• ISSN: 0965-2140
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2001 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
• First Published: First published in Addiction 96(9):1357-1359
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.