PDPH has compiled data from local investigations and administrative records, national and local surveys, and other U.S. cities to have a better understanding of the use of and access to tobacco products in Philadelphia by youth. Youth are defined as residents who are under age 18.
Philadelphia youth are initiating smoking at earlier ages. Smoking as early as 9th grade is on the rise and surpasses smoking rates in 12th grade. Cigarettes are cheaper in Philadelphia than in many other large cities, and rates of youth smoking are closely associated with price. Philadelphia has one of the highest rates of tobacco retailers per capita among large U.S. cities.
My team will use the Reasoned Actions Theory to discourage smoking because it is risky behavior. The team will conduct a study to understand the issues affecting the targeted group. I will use the theory to strengthen the group’s beliefs and ideas about smoking. I will inform the group about the relationship between smoking and human health (Eysenck, 2000). I will also increase the group’s motivation in order to comply with this normative belief. I will also analyze how researchers and medical experts discourage risky behavior. The team will use the above theory to come up with the best health promotion topic (Fishbein & Ajzen, 2011).
The above figure shows the rate of smoking among high school students in Philadelphia within the last 20 out of the possible 30 days.