Characterization of tobacco consumption in secondary school students

Abstract

Introduction:

The trend towards an increase in smoking in adolescence requires health decision-makers to expand their knowledge about the characteristics of this population group.

Objective:

To describe the characteristics of adolescent tobacco consumers.

Methods:

An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in adolescent smokers at the ¨Paco Cabrera¨ Basic Secondary School, in the municipality of Puerto Padre, Las Tunas province. The population consisted of 257 students and a non-probabilistic, intentional sample of 53 was selected. The techniques used were the Family Apgar Test, the Resilience Scale, and a questionnaire. The data were processed by descriptive statistics.

Results:

41.51 % were 14 years old, 64.15 % were male, and 45.28 % were in ninth grade. 32.08 % started smoking at the age of 12, with a daily frequency of 37.73 %, and 50.94 % smoking two to five cigarettes a day. 56.6 % were mainly motivated by stress and anxiety, 54.72 % started smoking under the influence of friends, 60.38% bought cigarettes from other people, 69.81 % smoked in public places, and 32.08% showed signs of dependence. Risk factors stood out: friends who smoked 94.34 % and easy access 88.68 %.

Conclusions:
Male adolescents aged 14 years, who study ninth grade, smoke cigarettes in high numbers and frequency, and start the habit influenced by friends and smokers in their family environment, as well as easy access to cigarettes.