[Prevalence of smoking habits among secondary school students in Benevento]

The Campania Region has the highest prevalence rate of smokers in Italy and lowest age of initiation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the target age for antismoking health education campaign and the risk factors of becoming a smoker. A total of 5.1% of the students in the 8th grade in Benevento smoked, and 12.1% were considered at risk for this behaviour. The presence of at least one smoking sibling or friend was a mayor risk factor, while smoking was not associated with parents' profession or smoking habits. Smoking habit begins spreading among 11-13 years old children and it increases exponentially later: a great potential for prevention exists because the problem is perceived but most of students are free.