SMOKING AND PREFERENCE FOR BRAND OF CIGARETTE AMONG ADOLESCENTS

This study examined the association between having a preferred brand o f cigarette and smoking in African American, Mexican American, and Whi te 5th, 7th, 9th and 11th graders. The prevalence of having a preferre d brand of cigarette increased with grade level, with over 20% of 11th graders reporting having a preference. Brand preference was related t o cigarette use in a dose-response fashion for all subgroups, with pre ference highest among African American students who smoked at least ha lf a pack of cigarettes on a daily basis. There was a strong associati on between having a brand preference and current daily cigarette use, whereas preference also was related to intention to smoke cigarettes w hen older. These findings suggest that brand preference may play an im portant role in cigarette use acquisition and maintenance among adoles cents.