Perceived risks and benefits of smoking: differences among adolescents with different smoking experiences and intentions

Introduction:
This article by halpern-Felsher et al. examines the perceived smoking-related physical and social risks and benefits among adolescents with different smoking experiences and intentions. The study aims to understand how perceived risks and benefits influence adolescents' smoking behavior and intentions.

Key Points:

* The study surveyed 395 adolescents, aged 12-15, from two high schools, with a response rate of 50%.
* Participants were classified as smokers or non-smokers, and intenders or non-intenders based on their smoking behavior and intentions.
* The survey included questions about the chance of experiencing smoking-related risks, addiction, and benefits.
* The study found that adolescents who have smoked and those who intend to smoke perceive a lower likelihood of experiencing smoking-related risks and a higher likelihood of experiencing benefits than nonsmokers and non-intenders.
* adolescents who have smoked or intend to smoke also perceive the addictive nature of cigarettes as less likely than nonsmokers and non-intenders.
* Perceived benefits accounted for variance above and beyond perceived risks, suggesting that adolescents see benefits as a distinct and important aspect of their decision to smoke.
* Social risks and benefits were also found to be important factors in adolescents' attitudes about smoking.

Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of considering both perceived risks and benefits in understanding adolescents' smoking behavior and intentions. The results suggest that intervention programs should focus on both short-term and long-term risks and benefits, as well as social risks and benefits, to effectively address adolescents' smoking behavior. additionally, addressing the perceived benefits of smoking, which play a large role in adolescents' thoughts about smoking, may be a more effective approach than solely focusing on risks. The study also emphasizes the need to identify adolescents who intend to smoke and have correspondingly lower perceptions of risk and higher perceptions of benefits, as this group may benefit from targeted interventions. Overall, the study suggests that a broader, more comprehensive, and developmentally based approach is needed to effectively address adolescents' smoking behavior.

halpern-Felsher, Bonnie L, Michael Biehl, Rhonda Y Kropp, and Mark L Rubinstein. “Perceived Risks and Benefits of Smoking: Differences among adolescents with Different Smoking Experiences and Intentions.” Preventive Medicine 39, no. 3 (September 2004): 559–67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2004.02.017.