Smoking habit in school age children, in Chile
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Date
2004
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
SOC MEDICA SANTIAGO
Abstract
Background: In Chile, there is no information about the prevalence of smoking among basic and high school students. Aim: To study the prevalence of smoking among school age population.
Material and Methods: A cross sectional survey conducted during 2001, assessing tobacco use and smoking habit in a representative sample of 15.119 randomly selected students.
Results: Sixty four percent of students bad smoked at least once in their litetime. Eighteen percent of students smoked daily and 15%, occasionally. The figures for women were higher (19 and 18% respectively). The mean age for the first contact with smoking was 12.3 years and, for starting the smoking habit, 13.2 years. Smokers increased the amount of cigarettes during weekends. Higher prevalence rates of smoking were observed in students from the Southern region of the country and of lower socioeconomic levels. From the 3rd grade on, there is an increased risk, of having contact with tobacco and smoking for the first time and from 6th grade on, this risk becomes permanent. The adjusted odds Ratio to be a smoker is significantly higher when the mother is a current or irregular smoker (OR 1.9 95 CI; 1.7-2.0).
Conclusions: High smoking prevalence rates were detected in this survey), mainly in women. The risk for smoking starts early during school life. Therefore, health promotion programs include elementary and high school students.
Material and Methods: A cross sectional survey conducted during 2001, assessing tobacco use and smoking habit in a representative sample of 15.119 randomly selected students.
Results: Sixty four percent of students bad smoked at least once in their litetime. Eighteen percent of students smoked daily and 15%, occasionally. The figures for women were higher (19 and 18% respectively). The mean age for the first contact with smoking was 12.3 years and, for starting the smoking habit, 13.2 years. Smokers increased the amount of cigarettes during weekends. Higher prevalence rates of smoking were observed in students from the Southern region of the country and of lower socioeconomic levels. From the 3rd grade on, there is an increased risk, of having contact with tobacco and smoking for the first time and from 6th grade on, this risk becomes permanent. The adjusted odds Ratio to be a smoker is significantly higher when the mother is a current or irregular smoker (OR 1.9 95 CI; 1.7-2.0).
Conclusions: High smoking prevalence rates were detected in this survey), mainly in women. The risk for smoking starts early during school life. Therefore, health promotion programs include elementary and high school students.
Description
Keywords
adolescent behavior, data collection, smoking, RISK-FACTORS, CIGARETTE-SMOKING, PREVALENCE, STUDENTS, ADOLESCENTS, DISEASES