[Social aspects of tobacco smoking among Polish students].

UNLABELLED

The aim of the paper was evaluation of social aspects of tobacco smoking among Polish students.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The data from 671 students of Medical University and University in the age between 19 and 25 were collected using a specially prepared questionnaire. The following factors were analyzed: age and causes of first attempt of smoking, frequency of tobacco smoking in relation to the kind of high school and sex; students' behaviors connected with tobacco smoking and the knowledge of the consequences.

RESULTS

53.8% tried to smoke at least once. 23.09% of the students smoked regularly (10.73%) or occasionally (12.36%). University students smoked significantly more often than medical students--32.79% and 18.64% (p < 0.05), respectively. Males smoked more frequently than females (insignificant difference). The first smoking experience usually occurred at the age of 18, but males started to smoke earlier (between 10 and 14) than females (between 18 and 21)--significant differences. The age of 18 was the most common time when smoking became regular. Most smokers (80%) were aware of tobacco-dependent health disturbances.

CONCLUSION

1. Every fifth student of medicine and every third University student smoke cigarettes. 2. Anti-tobacco prevention should be started very early--before the age of 10 and continued up to the age of 21. Special attention should be taken at the age of 18 years as this time was found to be especially dangerous for development of addiction.