Cigarette smoking, alcohol, and oral contraceptive use by type A adolescent--the Bogalusa Heart Study.

Type A behavior pattern (TABP) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) disease and is characterized by hostile, aggressive, competitive behavior. TABP characteristics and CV risk factors have been found in children and adolescents. TABP has been correlated with adult alcohol consumption, but studies associating Type A and smoking are mixed. The purpose of this study is to investigate the smoking, alcohol use, and oral contraceptive use of Type A children and adolescents. The Hunter-Wolf Type A scale and a health habits questionnaire were evaluated for 2092 children, ages 8-17 years, within the context of a comprehensive biracial epidemiological CV screening in Bogalusa, Louisiana. Global Type A and factor components were evaluated: hostility, eagergy, desire for control, drive, and competitiveness. Correlation coefficients reflected the strongest associations between hostility and smoking and between hostility and drinking for white males. The age at menarche appeared to be correlated with the drive component.