FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH LATE SMOKING INITIATION IN MINNESOTA WOMEN

This case-control study investigated factors associated with late init iation (i.e., initiation after the age of 17 years) of smoking among y oung women. The most significantly elevated odds ratios for late initi ation were having a significant other who smoked and having friends wh o found smoking acceptable at initiation. Peers, especially significan t others, played an important role in smoking initiation among young w omen. Prevention efforts should focus on strategies that reduce the ac ceptability of smoking in the social environment.