Experimental smoking among schoolchildren in Barangay Singkamas, Makati City / Giselle Mary S. Lazaro [and seven others]

Contributor(s): Subject(s): Abstract: 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.
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Journal Article DOH Central Library Electronic Resource Section J000651 (Browse shelf) Available D0001J000651

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.



Makati Medical Center Proceedings, 1999 (13) pages 20-24

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