Abrams K, Skolnik N, Diamond J J
Great Valley Health, Jefferson Health System, Newtown/Edgemont Family Medicine, Pa., USA.
Fam Med. 1999 Feb;31(2):128-32.
Tobacco use among teenagers is increasing, even in the face of an understanding of its harmful effects. Data suggest that tobacco use often begins before entrance to eighth grade. This study examined the prevalence of tobacco use among students in 6th grade and compared it to the prevalence of tobacco use among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders in a northeastern suburban community and to national data.
We used a survey that measured selected tobacco and smokeless tobacco use, demographic variables, school-related factors, and social influences on the use of tobacco products.
Sixth-grade tobacco use existed but was minimal compared to the rates seen in 8th, 10th, and 12th graders. Only 1% of 6th graders reported they were current smokers, compared with 41% of 12th graders. Risk factors for becoming a smoker were smoking habits of parents, siblings, and friends.
Cigarette experimentation and use begins as early as sixth grade and increases substantially by eighth grade. Our data suggest that efforts toward primary prevention of smoking should be pursued between sixth and eighth grade.
即便人们已认识到烟草的有害影响，但青少年吸烟现象仍在增加。数据表明，吸烟行为往往始于八年级入学之前。本研究调查了六年级学生的吸烟率，并将其与东北部郊区社区八年级、十年级和十二年级学生的吸烟率以及全国数据进行比较。
我们采用了一项调查，该调查测量了特定的烟草和无烟烟草使用情况、人口统计学变量、与学校相关的因素以及社会对烟草产品使用的影响。
六年级学生中存在吸烟现象，但与八年级、十年级和十二年级学生的吸烟率相比，数量极少。只有1%的六年级学生报告称他们是当前吸烟者，而十二年级学生的这一比例为41%。成为吸烟者的风险因素包括父母、兄弟姐妹和朋友的吸烟习惯。
香烟尝试和使用最早始于六年级，并在八年级时大幅增加。我们的数据表明，应在六年级至八年级之间开展吸烟初级预防工作。
