[Immoderate alcohol consumption as predictor of tobacco smoking persistence among youth]

To evaluate the predictive factors of smoking persistence in young students in Morelos, Mexico.

Information from a cohort study (1998-2001) of students in the public education system in the state of Morelos, Mexico was analyzed. The number of participants was 3,699. The analysis was carried out using logistic regression models.

Of the 349 students who were active smokers according to the basal measurement, 192 persisted smoking in the second phase. Immoderate alcohol consumption by women, combined with the frequency of previous cigarette consumption, was a predicting factor. In men, only the frequency of previous cigarette consumption predicted smoking persistence.

For both genders, the number of cigarettes smoked previously was predictive of the persistence in tobacco consumption. In women, the immoderate use of alcohol is also a predictive factor. Any preventive smoking measure taken should consider as an integral component the prevention of alcohol consumption.