Modernization and Smoking — Regional Differences in Adolescent Smoking in Finland in 1977–1987

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to test the applicability of the modernization framework to changes and regional diversity in adolescent smoking. A biannual cross-sectional survey data from the Adolescent Health and Lifestyle Survey was used. A national sample of 14, 16- and 18-year-old Finns answered a mailed questionnaire every other year from 1977. The 1977, 1979 and 1981 data were pooled as were data from 1983 and 1985 (N = 8505, 9777). The 1987 sample was weighted in accordance with the province size (N = 11,374). Modernization trends found in the literature were apparent among adolescent smokers between 1977 and 1987. The use of hand-rolled cigarettes nearly stopped when the use of manufactured cigarettes increased. The use of low-tar cigarettes increased and that of other tobacco types decreased. Regional differences in tobacco types were associated with the structural modernization level of the regions. Snuff use was most prevalent in the most modern and the most traditional regions. The modernization framework proved useful in explaining changes in smoking.

Regional Differences in Smoking, Drinking, and Physical Activities of Chinese Residents

“…These are consistent with research findings documented in other countries, for example, Finland, 8-11 the United States, 14 and Bavaria. 12 Various reasons have been attributed to these difference,s including social norms, 11 family status and relationships, 11 level of modernization and urbanization, 8 education and socioeconomic status, 12 religious beliefs, 9 political and other ideologies, 12 and so on. In exploring the underlying mechanisms for the effects of regional contexts on health behaviors, researchers have put forward various conceptual frameworks.…”

“…A series of studies conducted in Finland in the 1990s revealed significant variations in health behaviors. 8-11 The study by Karvonen et al 8 found that modernization played an important role in regional differences in adolescent smoking. Torsten et al 9 documented the influence of religiousness on the regional differences in alcohol drinking.…”

Life Control among Young Men in View of their Childhood and Adolescence

“…The research evidence (Rimpela et al 1991, Pulkkinen & Tremblay 1992 indicates that unhealthy life habits are an integral part of problem behaviour. It has also been shown (Sajiwandani 1991, Karvonen et al 1993, Pulkkinen 1993) that the development of a life style is a holistic process which is connected with the adoles-cent's growth and development. It is essential that the young person should cope with all the developmental tasks he or she is faced with.…”