Perspectives of Young Adults Toward Tobacco Use

Perspectives of Young Adults Toward Tobacco Use by Caroline Oluwatosin Omoalako-Adesanya MSN, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, 2000 MS, University of Ilorin, 1990 BS, University of Nigeria, 1989 AS, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, 1995 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Health Services Walden University May 2016 Abstract Conditions related to tobacco use constitute the single most preventable cause of death in the United States. Approximately 443,000 U.S. adults die each year from smokingrelated illnesses. During young adulthood, social and behavioral changes occur; experimentation with tobacco products such as cigarettes is common and may lead to a habit of smoking. A gap was identified in the literature on the perceived impact of family communication on young adults’ decisions regarding smoking. The purpose of this descriptive phenomenological study was to address this gap by gathering information on the perspectives of young adults toward tobacco use. Fifteen young adults aged 18 to 26 from the northeastern region of New Jersey who were currently engaged in the use of tobacco products participated in open-ended interviews. Research questions were designed to investigate young adults’ views and perceptions regarding cigarette use and to explore information regarding how smoking-related communication received from family members influenced young adults’ decision to smoke. The theory of planned behavior and social learning theory provided the theoretical underpinnings and consistent themes by young adults from the study. Van Manen’s data analysis strategy demonstratedConditions related to tobacco use constitute the single most preventable cause of death in the United States. Approximately 443,000 U.S. adults die each year from smokingrelated illnesses. During young adulthood, social and behavioral changes occur; experimentation with tobacco products such as cigarettes is common and may lead to a habit of smoking. A gap was identified in the literature on the perceived impact of family communication on young adults’ decisions regarding smoking. The purpose of this descriptive phenomenological study was to address this gap by gathering information on the perspectives of young adults toward tobacco use. Fifteen young adults aged 18 to 26 from the northeastern region of New Jersey who were currently engaged in the use of tobacco products participated in open-ended interviews. Research questions were designed to investigate young adults’ views and perceptions regarding cigarette use and to explore information regarding how smoking-related communication received from family members influenced young adults’ decision to smoke. The theory of planned behavior and social learning theory provided the theoretical underpinnings and consistent themes by young adults from the study. Van Manen’s data analysis strategy demonstrated thematic reports from young adults that behaviors, habits, attitudes, communications, including verbal and nonverbal cues and practices are learned from their parental figures in the home environment. Recommendations for future research include exploring young adults from other geographical locations regarding their perspectives toward tobacco use. This study may promote positive social change for the public and health practitioners by providing insight on family interactions regarding smoking behaviors for young adults. Perspectives of Young Adults Toward Tobacco Use by Caroline Oluwatosin Omoalako-Adesanya MSN, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, 2000 MS, University of Ilorin, 1990 BS, University of Nigeria, 1989 AS, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, 1995 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Health Services Walden University May 2016 Dedication I dedicate this dissertation to my daughter, Abisola Edith Adesanya, my one and only daughter that I ever wanted. She is my bliss in my life, through thick and thin. She has never wavered in all that I have done, and her faith, trust, love, and support kept me going throughout this process and in my everyday life. Thank you, honey, for everything that you are, and all that you do. My baby, Mommy loves you, always. Acknowledgments This dissertation would not have been possible without a few members of my committee and some people dear to me. Hence, I want to thank my former committee chairperson, Dr. Jeanette May, for her guidance and mentorship through the first half of my dissertation process. I thank Dr. White, who also served a short stint as my committee method expert, for her guidance, gifted skills, eye for details, and valuable advice. Dr. White provided me with brilliant comments, recommendations, and ideas that have been critical to my intellectual growth through the steps of the dissertation process. I believe that I could not have completed this dissertation without my committee’s guidance, support, and reassurance that this journey can and will be completed with much dedication and perseverance. My profound gratitude goes to Dr. Tammy Root, the department’s program director, who has made sure that all resources have been available to me, from my first residency in 2011 in Minnesota, to the present. In order to achieve the successful completion of my doctoral program with the university, Dr. Root acted swiftly to resolve some barriers and challenges that threatened my dissertation process. To my current chair, Dr. Cheryl Lafollette Anderson, as well as my method expert, Dr. Magdeline Celia Aagard, who provided me with brilliant suggestions and recommendations, as well as guided me toward the correct topic for my dissertation. Dr. Anderson also supported my induction into the Walden University Chapter of Upsilon Phi Delta Honor Society. Finally, to Dr. Richins, my assigned URR committee member, thank you for your support. I would like to express my profound gratitude to my sister, Ms. Doris Hassan, for her daily support of this journey, calling me every day from the United Kingdom and nudging me on. I would like to thank my colleagues, most especially Steven M. Tompa, who was there with me through all my courses and residencies, including this dissertation process; not once did his daily support and friendship waver, despite challenges and barriers. Nadine Josephs, with her constant encouragement and daily support, from our first meeting at the residency in Miami, Florida, till this day. John MacDonald, for his words of encouragement and assistance in resources through some of the difficult times of the program, thank you. To my friends who assisted me in one way or another, whether by editing, reading, or revising my work, thank you. To Olayinka Gary Ibidunni, for maintaining my writing equipment, editing my work, taking countless calls from me at odd hours to find and retrieve my lost materials during this process, succeeding every time in retrieving my files, and never once complaining, thank you. To one of my strongest supporters in any path or project I embark on, who never discourages me and is always there for me, Joseph Pollara, thank you. I would also like to thank a special and longtime friend, colleague, and confidant of mine. To Dr. Zach Oyefesobi, for reviewing, revising, and validating the interview protocol, and for his unique and dynamic support over the years in all that I endeavor, thank you. Dr. Oyefesobi also reinforced a valued recommendation of keeping my research study simple to enable easier understanding for my target audience, the public—advice that has helped me through my academic career. Finally, to me, I would say kudos, for perseverance, hard work, and determination from beginning until the end, through many, many obstacles, and never giving up. Omoalako . A job well done!