THE INITIATION OF SMOKING AMONG SCHOOLCHI LDREN - CROSS-SECTIONAL ANDLONGITUDINAL-STUDY OF THE PREDICTIVE FACTORS

BACKGROUND: This study examines the evolution of tobacco use among sch oolchildren in sixth and seventh grades in Barcelona (11-13 years) and identifies smoking risk factors through cross-sectional and follow-up analysis. POBLATION AND METHODS: The cohort consists of 1,003 student s attendig 13 schools who served as control units for a study assessin g the effects of a school-based addictive substances prevention progra m. Participants answered the same questionnaire in 1990 and 1991. Risk factors for the experimentation and for regular smoking are studied t hrough cross-sectional and prospective studies. RESULST: In a year, sm okers increase from 9.7% to 18.9% and regular smokers rise from 1.1% t o 5.5%. The initial cross-sectional analysis finds stronger associatio ns than the follow-up one. Some variables loose their significance in the longitudinal analysis. Among non-smokers, the strongest predictors to emerge are intention to smoke, the belief that smoking is fun, pee rs, siblings and mother consumption, and being male; however girls app ear to consolidate the consumption more than boys among the cohort of triers. CONCLUSIONS: Tobacco use prevalences are consistent with other studies developed in our city. Social environment emerges as an impor tant predictor; friends, siblings and mothers tobacco use and gender a re the main risk factors.