[Knowledge, opinions and cigarette smoking among teachers]

Due to the importance that educational activities have in preventing the habit of smoking in boys and young men, a research was carried out in order to know the rates of predominance, knowledge and opinions teachers have on smoking. For this purpose, an enquiry was applied to 746 teachers from Osorno, Chile. The results showed a rate of 42.6% of smokers; considering specialization, the major predominance is found in woman teachers of Biology and Physical Education. Comparisons with predominance in other countries are established. It was determined that the level of knowledge is independent from the habit of smoking; on the contrary, opinions about different aspects related to smoking, are closely connected to the habit. We conclude that it is necessary to carry on a systematic training with in service teachers and specially in Teacher's Training Colleges.