Factors influencing cigarette access behaviour among 14–15-year-olds in New Zealand: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Young people access tobacco from both retail and social sources such as family or friends. Both social influences and density of tobacco retail outlets may be associated with frequency of youth smoking. AIM: To update New Zealand data on demographic factors and social influences associated with retail access and social sources. METHODS: The sample consisted of 14–15-year-old New Zealand youth who self-reported as current smokers. Outcome measures were participants’ reporting of three different methods of cigarette access. Descriptive data was presented and multiple logistic regressions were used to examine associations between demographic and social influence factors and cigarette sources. RESULTS: Current smoking habits was found to be the strongest predictor of cigarette source, with daily smokers much more likely to report retail purchase than less than monthly smokers (adjusted OR 11.23, 95% CI 10.10–12.47). The second strongest predictor was parental smoking habits—students with both parents smoking being much more likely to obtain from family than students with neither parent (adjusted OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.95–2.26). Socioeconomic status and living in highly populated areas were also factors significantly associated with particular sources of tobacco. DISCUSSION: Though this study is cross-sectional, many potential confounders were controlled for, and results are consistent with the notion that financial means and urban proximity to tobacco retailers are enabling some students to use retailers as a cigarette source. Increased taxation and persuading adult family members to quit and to be more possessive about their cigarettes will help protect youth from smoking. KEYWORDS: Smoking; youth; adolescent; supply; availability; nicotine; social; retail