Enrichment in Pre-Kindergarten Life Predicts Initiation of Cigarette Smoking in Asian American and Hispanic/Latino Adolescents

Abstract

The risk of tobacco use during adolescence may be traced back to early childhood, the time when a child is most vulnerable to environmental influence. We examined daily-life enrichment during pre-kindergarten period as a predictor of initiation of cigarette smoking among Asian American and Hispanic/Latino children during adolescence. Survey data were collected from students in grades seven to nine in California. Among the 2,719 participants who completed the survey, 37% were Asian American and 44% were Hispanic/Latino. Five aspects of childhood life before kindergarten were assessed, including having lots of toys for the child, parents' read to the child often, having a plenty of good food for the child, bringing the child to travel, and parents spending adequate time with the child. Findings from our research indicate that children with more enriched early childhood are less likely to start smoking during adolescence. Consequently, enhancing daily life during early childhood may represent a new strategy for adolescent smoking prevention.