Lay beliefs of smoking and an analysis of predictors of these beliefs

Abstract

ObjectivesTo examine the structure of lay smoking beliefs and predictors of these beliefs.MethodsIn 2006, questionnaires were completed by 150 participants studying at the University of York, England. Factor analysis was used to determine the underlying beliefs held among this sample of lay people. Linear regression analyses were then used to examine predictors of these lay smoking beliefs using demographic characteristics, personality variables and smoking variables as predictors.ResultsFactor analysis of the questionnaire responses revealed an underlying belief structure of four factors described as positive beliefs about smoking, smoking health risks, reasoning beliefs about why people smoke and image beliefs about smoking. Smokers, ex-smokers and occasional smokers were more likely to hold positive beliefs about smoking than non-smokers. Older participants and extroverts held more belief about smoking health risks, whilst smokers were less likely to hold beliefs about smoking health risks.ConclusionsThere is still some degree of public confusion over smoking risks despite extensive media coverage on the subject. Health education strategies should target younger groups of smokers with particular emphasis on the social consequences of smoking.