[Smoking habits of the adolescents from Tirgu-Mures]

Introduction: Smoking remains a major concern globally, with significant consequences for public and individual health. Objective: We performed a survey about the smoking habits and the knowledge about the effects of smoking among young people in Tirgu-Mures. The aim of this study is to highlight the differences and similarities in the smoking behavior of young people, thus providing a wider perspective on this issue. Material and method: A questionnaire with 17 questions was distributed in the schools of Tirgu-Mures. We asked about the smoking habits of the subjects and their relatives. Results: 105 students filled in the questionnaire anonymously, of them 59.05% attends gymnasium, 15.24% theoretical high-school, and 25.71% vocational school. 54.29% of respondents are girls and 34.29% from rural area. 43.81% of the students had smoked before. 50% of the 9–10. grade students, and 75% of the 11–12. grades have smoked cigarettes. 40% of children are second-hand smokers at home, and these children are much more likely to become active smokers. Most of the students had smoked for the first time in the company of a friend, 4.34% of them before the age of 10 years, and 78.2% of them at 12–15 years old. 52.14% use electric cigarettes. 45 students had not received any information about smoking. Conclusion: The results show that, despite numerous campaigns, the majority of children do not receive authentic information about the effects of smoking. Young people start smoking cigarettes in a social environment, under the influence of their peers and parents, therefore, prevention strategies must be primarily based on the development of social skills. In addition to legislation ensuring the control of smoking, reducing the availability of tobacco products – especially for minors –, further tightening the direct and indirect advertising of tobacco products, and prevention programs such as extensive public information are also necessary. Orv Hetil. 2024; 165(42): 1669–1675.