Aim: This secondary data analysis of a family-based program, the Strengthening Families Program For Parents and Youth 10-14 (SFP 10-14), sought to examine the effect of parenting skills, youth social skills, and parent- child relationship on preventing youth smoking intention and initiation and also determine predictors of smoking intention and initiation.

Method: Fifth graders and their parents in two cities: Madison, Wisconsin and Indianapolis, Indiana were invited to participate in the SFP 10-14 Study. Participants were randomized to either an intervention or control group. Both groups participated in data collection in their homes. Those randomized to the intervention group attended the SFP10-14 activities for seven weeks. The control group received no intervention. Data were collected three times at baseline, 7 weeks, and 6 months.

Findings: One hundred and forty two youth-parent dyads participated in this study at baseline; 122 dyads at 7 weeks and 71 dyads at 6 months. The attrition rate was 14% at 7 weeks and 50% at 6 months. Statistical analyses showed no major differences or patterns between participants who stayed in and dropped out. Two-way repeated measures of variance showed youth problem efficacy and parental monitoring increased significantly (p <0.05).

Conclusions:  In spite of the benefit demonstrated in youth problem efficacy and parental monitoring, the high attrition rate and low dose effect precludes the ability to make firm conclusions regarding the effectiveness of the SFP 10-14  intervention. Replication of the study with monitoring of the dosage effect and minimizing attrition are recommended.