The incidence of sociodemographic variables in the tobacco consumption patterns of university students

Abstract

With the objective of analyzing the tobacco consumption pattern of university students, a study was conducted in order to identify the sociodemographic variables that influence the strengthening of such pattern and the behaviors related to the purchase, place of consumption, and awareness of the damages generated by nicotine as advertised in the media. This was a descriptive, exploratory study with an ex post facto design in a sample of 377 students who were randomly selected and who represented 95% [of the population]; the margin of error was 0,5%. The results showed evidence that those who are mostly exposed to tobacco consumption are between 19 and 20 years of age. The average age in which individuals started using tobacco was 15; the lifetime prevalence of smokers is 46,15%. The financial and work status have no influence in tobacco consumption.

Those who were listed as single showed an incidence in smoking. [When asked about their consumption] during the past month, they reported smoking 1-3 cigarettes daily. Also, those who consumed more cigarettes per day were the same ones with the most years of smoking, thus demonstrating nicotine dependence. Peer pressure incided most in this group. They smoke more frequently at the university premises; prevention activities through the mass media do not influence university students

Entorno, august 2015, issue 59: 69-76