Introduction
The purpose of this study was to use qualitative
interviews to examine antismoking discussions African American parents and adult
family members have with adolescent children. This study is one of the first
studies to examine the content of family discussions about not smoking among
rural African American families from the perspective of parents and extended
family members.
Methods
Interview topics included discussions with their children,
how their children reacted to those discussions, expected and actual
consequences for their children trying a cigarette, and perspectives on how best
to keep their children from becoming cigarette smokers. A total of 72 African
American households participated in the overall study, and 112 people were
interviewed.
Results
Major themes that emerged included discussing the negative
health and economic aspects of smoking and the influence of peer pressure.
Likely consequences for trying a cigarette included talking to the child about
the dangers of smoking and taking away privileges. Making cigarettes less
accessible, continued discussions, leading by example, and not smoking around
children were suggested as strategies to keep children from smoking.
Conclusion
This study provides insight into antismoking
socialization efforts in rural African American families and confirms that
African American families are actively engaged in keeping their children from
smoking.