Prevención del tabaquismo activo y pasivo en la infancia

Abstract

Smoking is one of the main Public Health problems. In many western countries, Spainamong them. In the last few years in particular, Health authorities are working hard in order toget this important problem under control. In spite of this, it can be seen that tobacco use is stillsignificant, thus in secondary school children, over 20 % of adolescents aged 14-16 years aresmokers. Moreover, around 50 % of children younger than 14, have domestic exposure to environmentaltobacco smoke. Smoking during pregnancy causes significant morbidity and mortality,not only in neonatal age but also throughout life. There are not enough studies of sufficient qualitythat evaluate the effectiveness of individual advice in adolescents. School and communityprograms have a limited efficacy. Anti-smoking counselling to parents in a Paediatric Primary Ca-re setting is recommended. This is of especial importance in pregnant women. We must adviseadolescents to stop smoking in a way that is adapted to their development and understanding capacity.We should stress the short-term consequences and the most important motivating aspectsfor teenagers. A special leaflet for adolescents giving anti-smoking counselling is suggested.