Cigarette use in 6th through 10th grade: The Sarasota County Demonstration Project

Objectives: To identify factors associated with cigarette smoking in the 6(th)-grade through 10(th)-grade youth population of Sarasota County, Florida. Methods: A closed-ended, quantitative survey was completed by 2004 youth and used to extract population-specific data on the correlates of cigarette use. Results: A range of factors influence cigarette use including self-efficacy to refuse offers of cigarettes, perceived emotional benefits, and perceived maternal disapproval of smoking. Conclusions: Results underscore the need for multiple-component interventions. This study is unique in that it represents population-specific research in which community partners are using the findings to develop community-specific prevention marketing interventions.