Predicting cigarette use among multi-ethnic adolescents in Hawai‘i.

Else, I., Hishinuma, E., Goebert, D., Nishimura, S., & Baker, S.  (In press).  Predicting cigarette use among multi-ethnic adolescents in Hawai‘i.  School Psychology International.  CONTACT ElseI@dop.hawaii.edu

Objectives.  To determine rates, correlates and to predict cigarette use for Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian adolescents in Hawai‘i.

Methods.  Data were collected on a multi-ethnic adolescent sample of 7,317 students in five high schools from three islands in the state of Hawai‘i from 1992-1996.

Results.  Psychopathology symptoms, school measures, environment, and suicide/self injury accounted for the most variance in cigarette use.  Non-Hawaiians (especially immigrant groups), females, speaking non-standard English, lower socioeconomic status, and higher rates of suicide/self injury were related to cigarette use.  Hawaiian culture was a small, but significant risk factor.

Conclusions.  For adolescents, psychopathology, school, environmental factors, the role of culture, and the growing ethnic diversity of youth should be considered in smoking prevention and cessation interventions.