Date of Award

6-2002

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Sociology

First Advisor

Dr. Thomas Van Valey

Second Advisor

Dr. David Hartmann

Third Advisor

Dr. Subhash Sonnad

Fourth Advisor

Dr. Alan Poling

Abstract

Trends in smoking rates among adolescents indicate that white females generally smoke more than their adolescent counterparts, the only substance in which this occurs. Another trend in which white females far outnumber any other adolescent group is eating disorders. This study was conducted to assess the relationship between cigarette smoking and perception of weight among adolescents. A logistic regression model was constructed to test the relationship using the Adolescent Health Public Dataset. For females, there was a link between cigarette smoking and perception of overweight which was not found among the males. Similarly, white females had a significantly higher rate of smoking than black females. Understanding the reasons behind the trends is vital when developing policy or education programs.

Access Setting

Dissertation-Open Access

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