Students' unchanging smoking habits in urban and rural areas in the last 15years

Abstract

BackgroundSmoking is the main preventable public health problem particularly for youth worldwide. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of smoking habits among students at secondary and high schools, and to compare the findings with those of a study conducted 15years ago in the same area. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study 6212 students (51.2% female; 48.8% male) were selected randomly from rural and urban areas in Samsun. All students completed a face-to-face questionnaire. ResultsThe overall prevalence of smoking was 13.0% (male students, 18.1%; female students, 8.2%). The mean starting age of smoking was 14.1 1.5years. Prevalence of smoking was 15.7% in urban areas and 8.1% in rural areas. The most important factors for starting smoking were social group and families. Compared with a study conducted 15years previously in the same area for male students, smoking prevalence was increased in rural, but decreased in urban areas. ConclusionsSmoking prevalence in students in Samsun was similar to that in a study conducted 15years previously. It is important to use anti-smoking campaigns directly targeted at teenager and they should be fully informed of the harmful effects of smoking.