Lazaro, Giselle Mary S. Padlan, Michael C. Felix, Kennard Q. Ejercito, Carlos Jr Flores, Angela C. Famador, Jay Arnold F. Lupisan, Socorro P. Gepte, Aguedo Troy D. IV text monographic eng

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OBJECTIVE: The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of experimental smoking and its associated factors among schoolchildren in Barangay Singkamas, Makati City. METHODS: A cross-sectional study utilizing an administered questionnaire was undertaken among fifth and sixth graders (mean age, 12.02 +/- 1.0 years; range, 10 to 15 years) RESULTS: Of the 234 respondents, twenty-two percent had tried smoking. Mean age at first attempt at smoking was 10.6 +/- 1.5 years. Having a parent, a sibling, or a friend who smoked was significantly associated with experimental smoking. Experimental smoking was significantly higher among males. The two most common sources of the first cigarette were the father (42%) and those personally bought (25%). The most common reason for smoking was "to try something new" (42%) followed by "others smoked" (21%). CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of experimental smoking among the fifth and sixth graders of the F. Benitez Elementary School. The early onset of experimentation suggests that smoking prevention programs should target young children. An effective prevention program will have to properly address issues of parental smoking and peer pressure. Associating smoking early with a negative image may be another practical approach to prevention. Giselle Mary S. Lazaro [and seven others] Makati Medical Center Proceedings, 1999 (13) pages 20-24 Adolescent Behavior Smoking prevention and control Smoking economics Age Factors Health Education 210519 20210519103757.0 D0001J000651