Prevalência e fatores associados ao tabagismo entre adolescentes e adultos jovens

Abstract

Introduction: Tobacco smoking is a licit drug very used by adolescents in many countries, including Brazil. Objective: To determine the prevalence of smoking in young Brazilians (15-24 years old), looking at individual, family and social group risk factors associated with this behavior. Methods: Data from young living in 18 Brazilians cities, aged 15 to 24 years old, obtained by the household survey (2002-2003) on risk factors for chronic diseases and morbidity were analyzed. Smoking prevalence rate was estimated with confidence interval, considering the sample design effects, if necessary. Multivariate logistic regression analyses including GEE estimation (Generalized Estimating Equations) were performed. Results: The overall prevalence of smoking among youth in Belo Horizonte city was 11.7%, similar to the national average of 12.8%, ranging from 6.8% to 24.1%, respectively, in Aracaju and Porto Alegre. Smoking was associated with individual factors such as: male gender, older age, lower education, not to be studying, poor self-health perception and alcohol consumption. Youths smoking was also associated with smoke by peers (friends, boyfriends and girlfriends) and relatives (father, mother and siblings). There was a birth cohort effect of parents in youths smoking behavior, suggesting a greater exposure of this group throughout life. Conclusion: Individual level and social influence by peers and relatives seemed relevant for youths smoking. The increased dialogue among adolescents, school, colleagues, friends and parents, could lead to a reduction in consumption of substances such as alcohol and tobacco among youth