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[Motivation factors for smoking in adolescents]
Bulletin Der Schweizerischen Akademie Der Medizinischen Wissenschaften
|March 1, 1979
Summary
Youth tobacco use in Switzerland varies significantly by demographic and educational background. A health education program effectively reduced smoking rates among young people.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Tobacco consumption among youth is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding the motivations and prevalence of smoking in different youth populations is crucial for targeted interventions.
- Previous research indicates varying smoking rates across different socio-demographic groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and patterns of tobacco consumption among various youth populations in North Switzerland.
- To identify factors associated with smoking initiation and continuation in adolescents.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a health education program on reducing youth smoking.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted using questionnaires administered to 1436 schoolchildren in Zurich and St. Gall.
- Data collection included smoking habits, age of initiation, demographic information, and associations with alcohol and drug use.
- A longitudinal health education intervention was implemented and evaluated over three years.
Main Results:
- Early initiation of smoking ('curiosity-cigarette') was reported by 9% of boys and 3% of girls before age 6.
- Smoking prevalence varied: 32% among female nursing students, 23% among rural boys (17-21), 14% among rural girls (17-21), 55% among male apprentices in Zurich's metal industry, and 30% among high school boys.
- Smokers showed significantly lower rates of alcohol abstinence (2% vs. 17%) and higher rates of hard drug experience (23% vs. 3% in high school students).
- A three-year health education program resulted in a significant reduction in tobacco consumption in intervention groups compared to control groups.
Conclusions:
- Tobacco consumption among Swiss youth is influenced by gender, socio-economic background, educational setting, and geographic location.
- Smoking is strongly associated with alcohol and hard drug use.
- Targeted health education programs can be effective in reducing youth smoking rates.