The Use of Focus Groups to Compare Tobacco Attitudes and Behaviors Between Youth in Urban and Rural Settings

This exploratory study uses focus groups to examine the attitudes and behaviors of male adolescent tobacco users from urban and rural settings. Five focus groups, three urban and two rural, were conducted (n = 28). Results indicate that this is an interesting topic that generated interactions and discussion among participants. Themes that have emerged from the data include the sociability of tobacco initiation and access; tobacco preferences linked to image; social norms against secondhand smoke exposure, especially around children; ambivalence toward daily use as a habit versus an addiction; and avoidance of discussing cessation. The data from this study can help health departments distinguish and target prevention and intervention programs for youth in urban and rural settings.