Improving Anti-Smoking Education: Profiling the Ex-Smoker

Youth experimentation with smoking is commonplace. Most anti-smoking efforts have focused on studying smokers and/or nonsmokers. Less attention has been directed at a significantly large group-ex-smokers. The purpose of this study is to present a profile of the ex-smoker in comparison to his/her smoking or never smoking counterparts. Knowledge about the ex-smoker group could enhance anti-smoking efforts. Data were collected from 5,393 central Illinois school age youth in grades 7–12. Data were analyzed by grade and sex. A variety of attitudinal, behavioral intention, and behavior questions about smoking were developed. Results clearly indicated that the ex-smoker group has a significantly different profile than youths who reported being a smoker or never smoker. Variables where differences were noted included close friends smoke, mother smokes, father smokes, mother would be upset, father would be upset, no one would be upset, best male friend upset, best female friend upset, and that smoking is a health problem. Differences were also noted with respect to believing that smoking helps people relax, is socially o.k. and whether or not separate areas should be designated for smokers. In most cases the ex-smokers more closely resembled the never smokers than the smokers.