Smoking Among Adolescents in Northern Greece: Epidemiological Data and Potential Preventive Factor

Abstract

Aim: The investigation of smoking habits among adolescents (12-18 year old) and differences between smokers and non-smokers which may act as preventive factors. Methods: We randomly selected 10% of the whole number of high schools in 24 prefectures of Northern Greece. All parents gave informed consent and then students completed unnamed questionnaires. We used two prototype questionnaires which were validated across the 10% of the study population (reproducibility rate: 88.1% for non-smokers and 86.5% for smokers). Results: We analysed data of 18,904 questionnaires. The mean age (SD) of the students was 15.3+/-1.7 years (52% males). The general percentage of cigarette smoking was 14.2% (84% reported everyday smoking: 15.7+/-10.6 cigarettes/day). Prevalence of smoking was higher among males, high school students and residents in urban areas (table). The most common reasons for starting were: curiosity (56.6%), control of unpleasant feelings (38.7%) and friends who smoke (28%). Smokers reported starting at age13.3+/-2.3 years. We found that smokers compared to non-smokers had: less educated parents (p<0.001), higher percentages of smoking among siblings and friends (41.4 vs 14.6%, p<0.001 and 92 vs 33%, p<0.001), dealing less with sports (p<0.001), visit more frequently internet cafes (p<0.001). Concusions: Prevalence of smoking among adolescents in Northern Greece was 14.2%. We found some potential preventive factors which should be supported in a well-planned antismoking campaign. (Table Presented).