The relationship between receptivity to media models of smoking and nicotine dependence among South African adolescents

The purpose of this study is to determine the association of receptivity to media models of smoking and nicotine dependence among South African adolescents from four ethnic groups. A stratified random sample of 731 adolescents aged 12-17 years (mean = 14.55, SD = 1.68) was drawn from Johannesburg, South Africa. A structured questionnaire was administered to the participants in their homes by trained interviewers. Receptivity to media models of smoking was assessed with a three-item Likert scale. The dependent variable, nicotine dependence, was assessed with the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). Regression analyses showed a positive relationship between media receptivity and nicotine dependence, with control on demographic variables and hours of TV watched by the adolescent. This relationship was found to be strongest among White adolescents and weakest among Black adolescents. Though equally receptive to media models of smoking, Black adolescents have lower FTND scores than their peers from other South African ethnic groups. This may be related to the low prevalence of images in South Africa depicting Black people smoking cigarettes. Cultural norms against smoking among Black adolescents may also serve as a protective factor.