Method
Instrument:
The instrument consisted of one page with 14 demographic items on one side and 19 statements on the other side--all dealing with smoking. The statements were rated using a three point, Likert-type scale with the options "agree," "uncertain," or "disagree."
Procedure:
The subjects were approached on a face-to-face basis and invited to participate in the survey. To provide confidentiality, the subjects placed the finished form into a large brown, unmarked envelope.
Sample Population:
Approximately ten percent (810) of students were randomly selected after being stratified by gender and race from those attending the University of West Florida. The sample was stratified on gender and race and reflected the population of the University of West Florida with 40% male and 60% female. The racial distribution of the sample was 78% white, 10% black, 4% Hispanic, 5% Asian with 3% "other."
The largest percentage (43%) of the subjects were aged 19-21 with 22% being aged 22-25 and 19% being 26-40. Eight percent were 18 and below while 7% were 41 or above in age. Student classification showed that the majority junior/senior consisted of 58% of the sample with freshman/sophomore consisting of 33%. The rest were graduate students (7%) and special students (non-degree seeking students) 2%. Of the students participating in the research, 75% were full time undergraduate students with 16% being part-time students. Four percent were fulltime graduate students with 3% being part-time students.
Seventy percent were single and 21% separated, 6% divorced and 1% widowed. Seventy-five percent had no children, 13% had one child, 13% had two children, and 3% had three children with 1% having four or more children. Twenty-seven percent of the students lived alone while 22% lived with parents, 3% lived in a fraternity, 3% lived in a sorority, and 45% were living with others.
Twenty-seven percent were employed full-time, 46% part time and 27% were not employed at all. The largest percentage (30%) was earning $10,000 or less annually while 12% was earning $60,000 or more. In between, 21% were earning $10,001 to $20,000, 24% earned $20,000 to $40,000 and 14% earned $40,001 to $60,000.
Both Protestants and Catholics were represented in the sample by 25% each with 2% of the Jewish faith and 17% having no religious affiliation. Thirty-two percent indicated having some other faith but did not indicate the type. As to political registration, 36% were Republican, 30% Democrat and 12% Independent, while 18% were not registered; 3% were registered in other minority parties.
As to who smoked or not smoked, 33% reported that they smoked while 67% said they never smoked. Two percent said they smoked indoors, 15% smoked outdoors while 13% smoked both indoors and outdoors.
Findings
The study attempted to determine the college students' attitudes toward smoking at the University of West Florida in relation to the findings at other universities. For instance, some people believe that whether one smokes or not affects whether the person is liked. Nonetheless, to the statement, "no one likes a smoker," 67 % disagreed. Only 17% agreed and 16% were uncertain. Similarly, when asked whether "smoking is unattractive," 69% agreed while 21% disagreed and 10% were uncertain. As to how people feel about smokers, to the statement, "I would not date or marry a smoker," 41% agreed although 39% disagreed and 20% were uncertain. Some people are concerned about the personal and social effects of smoking. To the statement, "smoking is socially acceptable", 44% agreed while 35% disagreed; 21% were undecided. Some people are concerned with the implications of smoking. For example, to the statement, "people think less of you if you smoke," 43% disagreed; only 30% agreed and 27% were undecided.
Concerning health related issues, participants responded to the statement, "it is unwise to smoke in an enclosed area," with 81% agreeing and 10% disagreeing with 9% uncertain. Furthermore, whether "people should be advised about the harmful effects of smoking", 93% agreed. The rest (3%) disagreed or were undecided (4%). In addition, to the statement that "no one should smoke near a pregnant woman," 90% agreed. The rest were either uncertain (6%) or disagreed (4%). Whether smoking has any positive values, on the statement "smoking is helpful in reducing weight," only 24% agreed with 40% disagreeing; 36% were undecided. To the statement that "no one should smoke near children," a large majority (88%) agreed with the rest (4%) disagreeing or undecided (7%). Whether "second hand smoke can cause serious health problems," 81% agreed with only 4% disagreeing; but 15% were still undecided. Because of the impact of smoking upon one's health, the subjects were asked to respond to the statement that "smoking is hazardous to one's health" with 94% agreeing and the rest (3%) disagreeing or undecided (3%).
Regarding legal issues, many people believe that "there should be stricter laws against smoking" with 44% agreeing; 34% disagreed and 22% were undecided. To the statement that "the law should prohibit smoking in public places", 48% agreed although 35% disagreed; 17% were undecided. On the statement that "no one should smoke near someone who is eating," 69% agreed. 19% disagreed and 12% were undecided. Whether "people should tell a smoker to stop smoking", 51% disagreed; only 30% agreed while 19% were undecided.
Finally, in questions concerning the modeling effects of smoking, to the statement, "Smoking advertisements influence non-smokers to begin," only 32% agreed while 46% disagreed with 22% uncertain. However, some people were concerned about the influence that smoking has on children. To the statement, "children who see people smoke will more likely smoke," 51% agreed; 28% disagreed and 21% were uncertain. And whether "smokers have little power," 54% disagreed and 26% agreed (21% were uncertain).
contd .
No comments:
Post a Comment