[Smoking among secondary school students in Stalowa Wola]

Smoking is recognized as major, the most prevalent, and at the same time the only removable factor of many diseases. The major causes of starting smoking are: stress, curiosity and staying among people who smoke tobacco. The research was conducted among students of secondary school in Stalowa Wola in the form of an anonymous poll. The sample group included 2763 people. The group of smokers included 334 people (12.09%). Results of the research were subjected to a precise statistical analysis. The fact that 24.55% young age smokers smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day is worth stressing. In spite of short time of tobacco smoking, the investigated group has reported some negative health ailments. An attempt was made to identify the combination of features affecting smoking, including sex, origin, company of smokers, economic conditions (p < 0.05). The statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between the number of cigarette smoked, economic conditions and the intention to stop smoking (p < 0.05). The obtained results may be helpful in preparing effective educational and preventive project among students, which can eliminate or lower the influence of factors predisposing to start and continue smoking tobacco.