A MAJOR study into why young people smoke carried out in Liverpool has revealed that the biggest influence is family habit.
The findings are revealed today in an 11 year study funded by The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.
The investigation undertaken by Liverpool John Moores University tracked a group of 250 children from the age of 5 to 16, through six primary and secondary schools in Liverpool using questionnaires, qualitative exercises, interviews and focus groups.
Key findings reveal children aged 12-16 are 44% more likely to start smoking if a member of their household does.
Children from low income families are 95% more likely to try smoking in adolescence.
Dr Rosemary Gillespie, chief executive of The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation said: “This study is unique. The process of becoming a smoker begins very early in childhood and is primarily influenced by exposure to smoke in the home.”
