Cigarette smoking, risk of nicotine dependence and factors associated in adolescents in the province of Valladolid (Spain)

Abstract

Aims. Study the prevalence, pattern of smoking in teenagers, the risk of nicotine dependence and factors associated.

Methods. A health -related survey was conducted at 2.412 schoolchildren aged from 13 to 18 years old in the province of Valladolid during March-May of 2012. We analyzed the data on tobacco, nicotine dependence using a version adapted to adolescents of the Fagerstrom test and the association of smoking with socio-demographic variables and risk factors.

Results. 36.7% had experimented with tobacco (39.7% girls and 34% boys, p=0,004). The age of starting consumption was between 13 and 14 years old. A 26.2% began smoking before the age of 12, this percentage was higher in boys. The youngest started before tobacco consumption. A 24,3% had smoked in the last 30 days and smoked daily 10,4%. 42% smoked between 2-5 cigarettes per day, and 7,7% more than 10 cigarettes day (10.8% boys, 4.8% girls). Most (96.7%) showed low-moderate nicotine dependence. Smoking was associated with the consumption of drugs and other risky behaviors. Protective factors were reading books and doing sport, among others.

Conclusions. There is a largest earliness in onset and increased consumption of tobacco in men, but higher prevalence of experimentation in women .Teenagers experimenting with tobacco at younger ages. Environment and risk behaviour related to smoking. Prevention programs should begin before age 10.