Factores relacionados con el inicio en el consumo de tabaco en alumnos de Enseñanza Secundaria Obligatoria.

Objective: To study the prevalence of smoking in students of Secondary Education at IES "The Valley" and the factors that lead to the first use of snuff. Methods: Cross-sectional study on a sample of 123 students obtained through convenience sampling. The information was collected by a self-administered questionnaire that included variables of age, sex, family socioeconomic status, characteristics of tobacco use among adolescents, knowledge about snuff and parental attitudes. Results: The prevalence of snuff stood at 42%, of which 48% are regular smokers. Are confirmed as risks factors for the initial use of snuff the existence of smoking sibilings and a good friend who does too. Other variables such as the absence of a parent, parental smoking, educational level and parental occupation, physical activity and attendance at festivals could not be defined as risk factors due to insufficient sample size. Conclusions: The prevalence of smokers was similar to that obtained in other studies with similar characteristics. Smoking prevention should focus on the family and the adolescent environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]