Factors that Influence the Frequency and Quantity of Tobacco Use Among U.S. Youth

Despite declines in US smoking rates tobacco remains among the leading causes of preventable deaths in the US and is directly linked to chronic and mortal diseases including cancers and heart disease. With a focus on youth smoking behaviors, this paper considers contributory influences for two related, but distinct, measures of youth tobacco addiction - the frequency and quantity of cigarettes consumed per month. Using the 2011 National Youth Tobacco Survey a bivariate ordered probit model is estimated along with associated conditional probabilities controlling for both youth-specific factors and peer group influences. Results indicate strict controls on tobacco access, parental involvement, and school initiatives can significantly reduce the frequency and quantity of smoking by adolescents and decrease the probability of youth becoming heavier smokers