Psychographic characteristics and health behaviors in young adults

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. Non trivial smoking rates are observed among young adults and Hispanics, particularly as light and intermittent smoking is on the rise. Additionally, the assessment of other health behaviors including alcohol use, physical activity, and dietary practices seems warranted in young adults. The primary aim of this study was to identify clusters of individuals based on psychographics (e.g., lifestyle, preferences, personality characteristics), and their relation to tobacco use within a primarily Hispanic young adult border sample. Secondary aims were the assessment of group differences with respect to alcohol use, physical activity, and dietary practices. Participants (N = 755; 72.5% female; ages 18-25, Mage = 20.7 years, SD = 2.16; 87% Hispanic) completed an online survey which included: sociodemographics, the Bidimensional Acculturation Scale for Hispanics, an intentions to smoke scale, tobacco use / history, nicotine dependence questionnaires (Hooked on Nicotine Checklist, FTND, Self-Efficacy / Temptation Scale), the Stage of Change Scale (smoking / five a day for fruits and vegetables), physical activity questions, the Daily Drinking Questionnaire, a social activities scale, a stressors / worries scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Collectivistic Coping Styles Measure, a psychographic survey, a music preference question, the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale, the Mini-International Personality Item Pool, and the Kinsey Scale. A two step cluster analysis identified two groups. A MANCOVA and chi square analyses suggested that \u27Popular Exroverts\u27 (49.3%) were at a higher risk for tobacco (ever use) and alcohol use (including binge drinking). On average, `Mainstream / Conventionals\u27 (50.7%) reported greater intentions to smoke in the next thirty days. Potentially effective media messaging for both groups were discussed