Smoking Initiation Among Youth- Why Family, Friends, and Government Policies Matter

This Policy Brief was written by Development Solutions Associates (DSA) in Albania. This policy brief examines the impact of cigarette prices and tobacco control policies on youth smoking initiation. The researchers find that price is an important factor in youth smoking. A 10% increase in the price of cigarettes would reduce initiation by 5% among youth. Exposure to smoking among peers and household members, on the other hand, increases the likelihood of initiation. Youth who witness their peers and close friends smoke are 90% and almost 250% more likely to start smoking, respectively. Similarly, youth who live with household members that smoke are 65% more likely to initiate smoking. When at least one parent smokes, this increases the likelihood of initiation by 23%, while two parents smoking increases the likelihood of initiation by 40%. The study also finds that business and individual penalties related to smoke free laws were effective in reducing smoking initiation by 30% and 20%, respectively. The policy brief concludes with recommendations related to effective tobacco control policies, including raising tobacco taxes and strengthening laws that limit smoking in public spaces.

A corresponding Working Paper can be found here.