Examining proximity exposure in a social network as a mechanism driving peer influence of adolescent smoking.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Adolescent peers' influence on tobacco smoking is a dynamic process affected by close friends and other network peers. Although research has examined the influence of immediate friends on smoking behavior (i.e., by cohesion exposure), the influence of all peers according to closeness (i.e., proximity exposure) remains unknown. This study introduces proximity exposure as a potential driver of peer influence.

Methods

Using the Teenage Friends and Lifestyle Study dataset, we examined 160 adolescents followed for 3 years and assessed their friendship ties and health behavior. Proximity exposure was calculated as the proportion of an individual's network peers who smoked, considering their distance from the individual. Path analysis was conducted with cross-lagged mode

SUBMITTER: Khalil GE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7970666 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature