The Multi-dimensional Factors Contributing to Alcohol Use and Smoking among Adolescents

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of age, gender, race/ethnicity, adult supervision, role models, family type, acculturation, and socioeconomic status (SES) as contributing factors leading to alcohol use and smoking among adolescents. Methods: This study examined alcohol use and smoking among adolescents between the ages of 12 -17 years (n = 2799) using secondary data from California Health Interview Survey (CHIS 2011-2012). Descriptive and parametric inferential statistical techniques were used for data analysis. Results: The results of the study showed indicated that older adolescents used alcohol and smoked more than younger adolescents. Also, there was significant correlation between more adult supervision and lower use of alcohol and smoking as well as significant effect of the positive role models in decreasing the alcohol use and smoking among the adolescents. However, this study was unable to show any correlation between SES, race/ethnicity, and family type with the adolescents??? alcohol use and smoking. Conclusion: This study was able to provide information on impact of such factors as age, gender, race/ethnicity, adult supervision, role models, family type, acculturation, and SES on adolescents??? use of alcohol and smoking. Using the Ecological System Theory, this study was able to show the relationship between environment and negative behaviors such as smoking and alcohol use among adolescents