SNAPS (Social Network Analysis of Peers and Smoking in adolescence)

SNAPS (Social Network Analysis of Peers and Smoking in adolescence)

Introduction

Smoking is a major problem in the UK and it is estimated that smoking contributes to around 114,000 deaths each year. The problem is especially acute among teenagers, with 82% of smoking starting during this time. Deterring young people from taking up smoking is difficult; however recent studies have identified the importance of influential friends and friendship groups in the development of anti-smoking norms.

During the, Medical Research Council-funded, A Stop Smoking in Schools Trial (ASSIST), a large longitudinal dataset, including information on teenage smoking behaviour and their friendship networks was collected. The current MRC-funded study will involve secondary analysis of these data which were collected from over 10,000 students from more than 57 schools.

Aims of Project

The aim of the study is to answer a number of research questions relating to the uptake and maintenance of smoking behaviour in adolescence, and will extend the work carried out in the Peer Influence and Peer Selection (PIPS) study which has also been conducted at CISHE. It will provide an important insight into the complex interplay between peer relationships and smoking behaviour that will contribute to understanding, theoretical development, and improved design and targeting of interventions to combat smoking in adolescence.

Funder

Medical Research Council project grant. Social network analysis of the dynamic relationship between adolescent smoking behaviour and peer influence (Moore L. PI with Holliday J, Campbell R, Murphy S, Snijders T).