Predicting perceived vulnerability to tobacco-related health risks and future intentions to use tobacco among pediatric cancer survivors

Abstract

Objective To examine predictors of perceived vulnerability to tobacco-related health risks and future intentions to use tobacco among pre-adolescents and adolescents previously treated for cancer. Methods Written self-report measures of tobacco knowledge, perceived vulnerability, perceived positive value of tobacco use, past and present tobacco use, and intentions to use tobacco were completed by 103 cancer survivors, 10–18 years of age (51.5% males, 78.6% Caucasians). Patient reports of peer and parent tobacco use were also obtained. Results Perceived vulnerability was influenced by demographic variables, knowledge, and gender-related past tobacco use. Fifty-seven percent of non-smoking survivors reported some intention to use tobacco. Survivors who perceived some positive value associated with tobacco use and who used tobacco in the past reported greater intentions for future tobacco use. Conclusion Modifiable cognitive-motivational variables directly associate with smoking-related outcomes among pediatric survivors of childhood cancer. Practice implications Preventive tobacco interventions with this vulnerable cohort are warranted and should inform about tobacco-related health risks and attempt to modify misperceptions of the positive value associated with tobacco use.