Underlying predictors of tobacco smoking among Iranian teenagers: Generalized structural equation modeling

Background: To define underlying predictors of tobacco smoking among Iranian Teenagers in a generalized structural equation model. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a Generalized Structural Equation Model based on planned behavioral theory was used to explain the relationship among different factors such as demographic factors, subjective norms, and the intention to tobacco and, in turn, intention with tobacco use. The sample consisted of 4,422 high school students, based on census, in East Azerbaijan province, Iran. The questioner was designed adapting to the objectives of study. It was used global youth tobacco survey to design the queries of tobacco use. Results: The model had a good fit on data. Adjusting for age and gender, there was a statistically significant relationship between the intention to consumption and the following factors: working while studying (P<0.05), consumption of hookah by family members (P<0.05), history of smoking among close friends (P<0.05), history of leaving school during the day without informing the officials (P<0.05), lack of commitment to academic tasks (P< 0.05), lack of acceptance by peers (P< 0.05), knowledge (P< 0.05), and attitude (P< 0.05). There was a significant relationship between the intentions to consumption to tobacco consumption in the past 30 days (P< 0.05) as well. Conclusion: The intention to tobacco use may lead to its use, so the monitoring children's relationships are required by parents. Authorities should monitor teens' workplace environment, design and implement educational programs in the schools. As the final point, there was no significant correlation between the intention to and consumption of hookah, which can be investigated more in the future studies.