Summary
Introduction:
This text is a summary of a study examining the prevalence and factors associated with smoking among adolescents in Uruguaiana, Brazil. The study aimed to determine the true dimensions of the problem of smoking among adolescents in the city.
Key Points:
* The study was a prospective study conducted between March and June 2015 in Uruguaiana, Brazil.
* A total of 798 adolescents were enrolled in the study, with equal distribution between genders.
* The tobacco experimentation frequency was 29.3%, and 13.0% reported smoking at least one cigarette/day last month.
* Having a smoking friend, having cigarettes offered by friends, and having easy access to cigarettes were identified as factors associated with smoking.
* Having parental guidance on smoking, not being exposed to cigarettes at home in the last week, and knowing about the dangers of electronic cigarettes were identified as protection factors.
* The study found a high prevalence of smoking among adolescents in Uruguaiana, highlighting the urgent need for measures to reduce tobacco use and its new forms of consumption in schools.
Main Message:
The main message of the study is the high prevalence of smoking among adolescents in Uruguaiana, Brazil. The study highlights the urgent need for measures to reduce tobacco use and its new forms of consumption in schools. The study emphasizes the importance of parental guidance, limiting exposure to cigarettes at home, and educating adolescents about the dangers of electronic cigarettes as protection factors against smoking. Overall, the study underscores the importance of addressing smoking among adolescents as a public health issue and implementing measures to reduce tobacco use and promote healthy behaviors.
Citation
Urrutia-Pereira, Marilyn, Vinicius J. Oliano, Carolina S. Aranda, Javier Mallol, and Dirceu Solé. “Prevalence and Factors Associated with Smoking among Adolescents.” Jornal de Pediatria 93, no. 3 (May 2017): 230–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jped.2016.07.003.
