The teen tobacco epidemic in Asia: Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand

Abstract

This paper examines the prevalence of smoking, the age pattern of initiation of smoking, and factors associated with current smoking status among 15-19 year olds in five Asian societies, using data from large-scale youth surveys. The life-table method is used to examine the age pattern of initiation of smoking and logistic regression is used to examine factors associated with current smoking status. Smoking prevalence is high among boys but very low among girls. Among boys, 82 percent in Indonesia, 73 percent in Thailand, 70 percent in the Philippines, and 35 percent in Nepal begin smoking by age 20. In all countries, smoking is much more prevalent among teens who have experienced some transitions to adulthood. In Indonesia and Nepal, teen smoking is more prevalent in less developed regions. Among Filipino girls, residence in metro Manila is associated with high probability of smoking. In most countries, teens who have close relationships with parents are less likely to smoke. © 2004 Taylor & Francis Ltd.