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Youth

Depressive Symptoms and Peer Influence on Tobacco Use Among Young Adults

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A new study has shed light on the complex relationship between depressive symptoms and peer influence on tobacco use among young adults. The research, conducted by the University of Texas Austin, involved a longitudinal study of 4534 young adults across a 4.5-year period from 2014 to 2019. The findings suggest that young adults with elevated depressive symptoms are more likely to use tobacco products, particularly when surrounded by a larger number of tobacco-using peers. This study has crucial implications for tobacco prevention programs, which should include peer components to effectively address the issue.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study involved a longitudinal analysis of 4534 young adults, ages 18-30, from 2014 to 2019 to examine the relationship between depressive symptoms and tobacco use.
  • Elevated depressive symptoms were associated with a greater number of tobacco products used concurrently and at least six months later.
  • The presence of a greater number of tobacco-using peers moderated the association between depressive symptoms and tobacco use, indicating that peer influence exacerbates the effects of depressive symptoms on tobacco use.
  • The study concluded that tobacco prevention programs should prioritize peer components to effectively address the issue.
  • Young adults with elevated depressive symptoms used a greater number of tobacco products but only when they had a greater number of tobacco-using peers.

Statistics:

  • 4534 young adults participated in the longitudinal study from 2014 to 2019.
  • The study observed a 4.5-year period, with data collected from 2014 to 2019.
  • Elevated depressive symptoms were associated with a greater number of tobacco products used concurrently and at least six months later.
  • The number of tobacco-using peers moderated the association between depressive symptoms and tobacco use, indicating that peer influence exacerbates the effects of depressive symptoms on tobacco use.
  • Findings indicate that not all young adults with depressive symptoms use tobacco; however, having a greater number of tobacco-using peers may facilitate a context that both models and encourages tobacco use.

Sources:

  • Longitudinal Impact of Deppressive Symptoms and Peer Tobacco Use on the Number of Tobacco Products Used by Young Adults. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021, 18(11077):11077. (International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health - http://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph)
  • MDPI AG. (Publisher). The publisher for International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is MDPI AG. A free version of this journal article is available at https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.3390/ijerph182111077

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