Introduction: The relationship between body weight and smoking has been well-documented among adult populations, but the data among youth are inconsistent. This study explores the relationship among social, behavioural, body weight-related factors and adolescent smoking while identifying factors associated with the belief that smoking controls weight.
Materials and methods: Baseline data from a three-year, prospective cohort study started in 2009 in Hungary's six metropolitan cities. Randomly selected 6th and 9th grade students completed a self-administered questionnaire during the 2009-2010 school year (n = 1445; 45% boys, mean age of 6th graders: 12.06 years, SD = 0.63; mean age of 9th graders: 15.06 years, SD = 0.63). Calculations of Body Mass Index (BMI) were based on objectively measured weight and height data of participants. Appetite-Weight Control Scale of the Short Form of Smoking Consequences Questionnaire was used to measure the belief that smoking supports weight control. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association between the perception of weight control and smoking, while controlling for potential confounding variables (e.g., gender).
Results: 24.8% of participants smoked cigarettes within the past 30 days. The odds of smoking were increased among students who were older, had smoking friends, were exposed to parental smoking, and had poorer academic performance. BMI showed positive association with smoking (increases in BMI were associated with higher odds of smoking), and the belief that smoking controls weight mediated this association. There was no difference in smoking prevalence among those motivated either to lose or gain weight (approximately 30%), but was considerably lower among adolescents satisfied with their body weight (19%). The belief that smoking supports weight control was more common for girls, older students, and those who perceived themselves as overweight.
Conclusions: Dissatisfaction with body weight and the belief that smoking has weight controlling effects are associated with an increased likelihood of adolescent smoking, therefore they must be considered in smoking prevention programmes among youth.