| Abstract: | The prevalence of youth smoking is well reported in the literature. However, most research so far has been conducted in developed countries, leaving the incidence of youth smoking in developing and less developed countries unexplored and to the mercy of the tobacco industry. The present study forms a prototype called the smoking decision process model on youth smoking behavior, which draws from existing literature. Through this model, researchers, health practitioners, and anti‐smoking activist groups in various parts of the developing world can acquire a more holistic view of the factors behind youth smoking behavior in their respective societies and, in turn, focus on the most appropriate means to combat smoking. A case study application of the model is presented in this study, involving Cypriot youth 12 to 18 years of age. |
