Kontakt 2005, 7(1-2):94-99 | DOI: 10.32725/kont.2005.018

Children of advanced school age and nicotinismHealth and Social Sciences

Květuše Zikmundová^*, Helena Zavázalová, Vladimír Zaremba

Ústav sociálního lékařství, Lékařská fakulta v Plzni

Univerzita Karlova, Praha

A survey based on questionnaires, aimed at children of 11 to 15 years of age, was implemented at primary schools in 2003 and 2004. The target was to determine smoking habits, opinions, standpoints and knowledge of children concerning the problems of smoking. The action included an introduction lecture and, after completing the questionnaire, a talk about the given theme was held. The group included total of 235 children, 51% of boys and 49% of girls. The results demonstrate a high smoking prevalence of 17.7%. The girls are at a higher risk. A smoking bunch and smoking family can affect the motivation of the smoking behavior in children. Various interests and sport activities reduce the probability of smoking in children. Children have no problem to buy cigarettes. Knowledge concerning smoking risks and treatment of smoking habits is rather good. The tolerance of smoking by parents, future partners and their own children is relatively low in contrast to their own behavior.

Keywords: smoking; children; motivation; opinions; knowledge

Published: June 29, 2005  Show citation