Influence of the social environment related to smoking in adolescents: A theoretical approach.

Abstract

This study analyzes the influence of the social environment on tobacco use among adolescents through a review of scientific literature, focusing on the role of family, community, and social media factors in the initiation and maintenance of smoking. A narrative review was conducted, examining 22 articles that provide evidence on how these contexts affect adolescents' propensity to initiate and maintain tobacco use. The results show that family influence, especially when parents or siblings smoke, plays an important role in the initiation of the habit, acting as a role model for young people. At the community level, peer or friend influence, accessibility to tobacco, and insufficient regulation of sales to minors are also factors that facilitate consumption in this age group. Furthermore, exposure to social media content that normalizes or promotes tobacco reinforces acceptance of the habit among adolescents, increasing their vulnerability to smoking. This review highlights that the set of influences in these social environments act synergistically, contributing to the persistence of tobacco use among adolescents. This study provides a theoretical basis for future research in similar contexts and promotes the development of potential effective interventions for tobacco control in Nicaragua, framed within the family and community.