Prevalence of smoking among Colombian adolescents

Background: Cigarette smoking is considered the most important preventable public health problem in developed countries, especially among adolescents. Aim: To determine the prevalence of cigarette smoking and associated factors in high school adolescents, from a Colombian city. Material and Methods: The self-administered global tobacco youth survey (GTYS) was answered by 831 teenagers aged 14 +/- 2 years (54% females). For data analysis, proportions were calculated; for associations, binary and multivariable logistic regression was applied. Results: Fourteen percent of respondents declared that they had consumed at least one cigarette during the last 30 days. The life-time prevalence of tobacco use was 27.1%. Being older than thirteen years old, father's academic level and having a smoker mother were factors associated with smoking. Conclusions: The prevalence of smoking in these adolescents was high. Age over 13 years and a smoking mother were associated with the cigarette smoking.