Background: Cigarette smoking is a culturally accepted behavior among adult males in China. However, there is limited information on smoking among Chinese adolescents, particularly the information on the relationship between psychological well-being and smoking behavior among this population.
Purpose: This study explored associations between three psychological factors--anxiety, hostility, and depressive symptoms--and smoking behavior among Chinese adolescents.
Methods: The data presented in this study are a cross-sectional slice from a longitudinal investigation of tobacco use and lifestyle carried out in China. The study population consisted of 4,724 7th and 11th grade students from seven large cities in China.
Results: Odds ratios showed that anxiety, hostility, and depressive symptoms were significantly associated with a higher risk of lifetime smoking for both boys and girls.
Conclusion: Much like their Western counterparts, Chinese adolescents face developmental stress. The resulting distress may increase their risk for substance use and other health-risk behaviors.