Greek students’ attitudes toward smoking and smoking activity

Introduction: The increasing number of teen smokers is a global multi-factorial problem with health, economic, social and cultural influences. The attitudes of young people about smoking and smoking habit are shaped by the modern lifestyle, socio-economic status and living environment during of adolescent period. Aim:The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of smoking in adolescents, aged 13–18 years old, to investigate their attitudes towards smoking and determine the contribution of social influences to onset and continuation of smoking. Material and Method: The studied sample consisted of 873 students of senior high school and high school, from two cities of Central Greece. The data collected by using an anonymous self – reported questionnaire during the period 01/10/2011 – 25/02/2012. The level of statistical significance was set at P = 0.05. Data analysis was performed by the SPSS 17.0 statistical package (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA). Results: The attitudes of the sample towards smoking appear positive. Young people believe that the teenager who smokes are modern, closer to fashion, and consider it normal to smoke to their peers. Young people have positive attitude in adults smoking and also in light cigarettes. The linear regression model for predicting the attitudes towards smoking shows a negative correlation between age and attitudes to smoking (the younger people had more positive attitudes towards smoking). Conclusion: The present study showed a positive attitude of teenagers in smoking and smoking habit. Young people mostly believe that smoking is a normal activity that enjoys young people and also it acceptance.

Keywords: Smoking, adolescent, attitude, family