Susceptibility to use tobacco among non-smoking students in 10 Mexican cities

Abstract

Objectives. To identify the cognitive susceptibility to smoking and associated factors in students between 12 and 15 years of age. Material and Methods. The baseline measurement of a self-administered survey conducted between 2005 and 2006 of 12 293 non-smoking high school students was analyzed. Susceptibility was considered to be a student who would accept a cigarette from his or her best friend and would smoke the following year. Multilevel logistic regression models were obtained. Results. The prevalence of susceptibility was 30%. Associated factors were low self-esteem (RM = 1.2, IC95% 1.0-1.5), seeking new sensations (RM = 1.6, IC95% 1.3-2.0) and a favorable attitude towards smoking (RM = 2.6, IC95% 2.2-3.2), as well as the social permissibility reflected in the norms at home (RM = 2.2, IC95% 1.7-2.8). The interaction between permissibility of smoking at home and tobacco consumption by parents existed only for females (RM = 2.1, IC95% 1.1-3.8). Conclusions. Prevention should promote the sensitization of the family's parents and teachers as anti-smoking models and encourage tobacco-free homes.