[Tobacco: knowledge, reasoning and opinion of high school students in Doubs. Reflections on prevention]

The prevalence of smoking has increased among young people aged 14 to 18 between 1993 and 1999, and most notably among girls within the same period. These observations illustrate the necessity for significant changes in mass media campaigns and education programmes related to the prevention of smoking among youth. The objective of this survey, initiated by the city of Besançon and the French National Mutual Insurance of Doubs, was to describe and analyse the knowledge and rationale of high school students on tobacco and their opinions in terms of prevention. Twelve public and private high schools in Besançon and Morteau (Doubs-France) participated in the survey; the group also represented a mix of general and professional schools. The questionnaire was filled out by 970 students selected at random. 96% of the students indicated cancer as being the main illness linked to tobacco and 94% stated that second-hand smoke constitutes a health risk. 61% admitted to seeking out the psychoactive effects of smoking. The students responses confirm that the types of messages relayed in a smoking prevention campaign which have an impact on them are: evoking fear of death (74%) and the use of humor (16%). One-third of high school students find that it is unacceptable to forbid smoking on school premises. The knowledge of the dangers related to smoking is not sufficient to keep young people from smoking and confirms that an educational approach based solely on knowledge and facts will not be sufficient to decrease their tobacco consumption. It is important to take into account the image that young people have of tobacco as a means to combat stress in future prevention strategies and campaigns.