A study of health locus of control, self-efficacy, health promotion behaviors, and environmental factors related to the self-report of the avoidance of environmental tobacco smoke in young adults

Abstract

Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) is a source of preventable diseases. Currently, 3.1 million adolescents smoke cigarettes. Despite the prevalence of smoking in young people and the health consequences of ETS, research has not adequately addressed the avoidance of ETS.

This study identified and described factors which influence the avoidance of ETS in young adults. Pender's Health Promotion Model provided the research framework. Predictor variables included demographic characteristics, biological characteristics, situational factors, self-efficacy, control of health, and health promotion behaviors. The outcome variable was the avoidance of ETS.

The sample of 136 never-smokers and 105 ever-smokers was between ages 18 and 25. Data collection instruments included the Background Data Form, Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scales (MHLC), Self-efficacy Scale, and Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP). MHLC scales, internal (IHLC), chance (CHLC), and powerful others (PHLC), measured control over health. Specific Control and Ability related to ETS exposure were also measured. The ETS Scale measured ETS avoidance. Data analysis was conducted on the 136 never-smokers.

Relationships among demographics, biological characteristics, situational factors, and the avoidance of ETS were found. Health belief about ETS and not living with a smoker accounted for 12% of the variance of avoiding ETS. Hypothesis I tested ETS avoidance in relation to self-efficacy, Ability, IHLC, PHLC and Control. General self-efficacy and Ability predicted 11% of the variance of ETS avoidance. The inverse relationship between CHLC and ETS avoidance (Hypothesis II) was not supported. Hypothesis III, which tested the relationship between the HPLP and avoiding ETS, was supported. The Nutrition and Health Responsibility subscale of the HPLP accounted for 19% of the variance of ETS avoidance. Nutrition, general self-efficacy, health belief, not living with a smoker, Ability, and Health Responsibility, when analyzed together, accounted for 34% of the variance of ETS avoidance. Subjects who avoided ETS believed that it was a health hazard, did not live with a smoker, and possessed self-efficacy, healthy nutritional habits, and health responsibility. These findings are important for the development of nursing interventions, educational programs, and public policy related to ETS.