[Smoking and alcohol drinking habits among school children in the Frederiksberg community]

In 1989, a total of 674 pupils in the sixth and eighth grades of nine elementary schools in the Municipality of Frederiksberg replied to a questionnaire which included questions about their habits and attitudes concerning smoking and alcohol. 50% of the girls in the eighth grade smoke, 30% of these daily. Compared with previous investigations, these results support the general impression that the frequency of smoking in girls is increasing. Compared with previous investigations, the frequencies of smoking in boys show a decreasing tendency: 24% of the boys in the eighth grade are smokers and 12% smoke daily. Great agreement was expressed with the negative assertion about smoking and 98% were aware that smoking was dangerous. The commonest reasons given for smoking were that it is a sociable habit, is relaxing and tastes good. Evidence was found that the advantages of smoking should be utilized in anti-smoking campaigns and the disadvantages should be emphasized and that campaigns should be directed to teenage girls. Girls in the eighth grade also drink alcohol more frequently than boys do. 62% of the pupils who had a monthly alcohol intake considered that alcohol was dangerous. A definite connection was found between the consumptions of tobacco and alcohol. No connection was found between active efforts to be healthy and not to smoke or drink. Girls living with a single father employed tobacco and alcohol more frequently.