Abstract
ObjectivesThe present study examines how the composition of social networks and perceived relationship content influence peer clustering in smoking, and how the association changes during the transition from late adolescence to early adulthood.MethodsThe analysis was based on a Swedish two-wave survey sample comprising ego-centric network data. Respondents were 19 years old in the initial wave, and 23 when the follow-up sample was conducted. 17,227 ego-alter dyads were included in the analyses, which corresponds to an average response rate of 48.7 percent. Random effects logistic regression models were performed to calculate gender-specific average marginal effects of social network characteristics on smoking.ResultsThe association of egos’ and alters’ smoking behavior was confirmed and found to be stronger when correlated in the female sample. For females, the associations decreased between age 19 and 23. Interactions between network characteristics and peer clustering in smoking showed that intense social interactions with smokers increase egos’ smoking probability. The influence of network structures on peer clustering in smoking decreased during the transition from late adolescence to early adulthood.ConclusionsThe study confirmed peer clustering in smoking and revealed that females’ smoking behavior in particular is determined by social interactions. Female smokers’ propensity to interact with other smokers was found to be associated with the quality of peer relationships, frequent social interactions, and network density. The influence of social networks on peer clustering in smoking decreased during the transition from late adolescence to early adulthood.
Highlights
The strong association between the initiation of smoking and peer-group smoking during adolescence has prompted numerous studies to examine the possible causal links between individuals’ and peers’ smoking behavior [1,2,3,4]
The association of egos’ and alters’ smoking behavior was confirmed and found to be stronger when correlated in the female sample
The influence of network structures on peer clustering in smoking decreased during the transition from late adolescence to early adulthood
Summary
The strong association between the initiation of smoking and peer-group smoking during adolescence has prompted numerous studies to examine the possible causal links between individuals’ and peers’ smoking behavior [1,2,3,4]. A particular research focus has been to understand the development of smoking during the transition from adolescence to early adulthood [5]. Research on adolescents’ smoking behavior is relevant because adolescence has been identified as the most critical period for the initiation of smoking [6]. Those who start smoking in adolescence have an increased probability of becoming life-long smokers, drastically increasing their risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancer, and premature mortality [7]. Taking up smoking a few years later significantly decreases the propensity for life-long smoking [8,9]. Smoking prevention during adolescence is an effective public health strategy
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