Link between perceived smoking behaviour at school and students smoking status: a large survey among Italian adolescents. (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Backhaus, I.; D'Egidio, V.; Grassucci, D.; Gelardini, M.; Ardizzone, C.; La Torre, G.
• Is Part Of: Public health. Volume 151(2017)
• Page Start: 169
• Page End: 176
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: Adolescent -- Perception -- School -- Tobacco smoking -- Behaviour -- Knowledge; Public health -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2017.07.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0033-3506

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: To investigate a possible link between sociodemographic factors, the perception of smoking habits at school and smoking status of Italian adolescents attending secondary school. Study design: The study was a cross-sectional study. Methods: An anonymous online survey was employed to gather information on age, gender, smoking status and to examine the perception of smoking behaviour on the school premises. Chi-squared and Kruskal–Wallis tests were performed for the univariate analysis and logistic and multinomial regressions for the multivariate analysis. Results: The statistical analyses included 1889 students. Univariate analysis showed significant differences concerning knowledge between smoker and non-smoker concerning the harmfulness of smoking ( P < 0.001). According to the multivariate analysis smokers had a higher perception of teacher, principal or janitor smoking at school (odds ratio: 1.54 [95% confidence interval 1.26–1.89]). Students older than 19 years most often begin smoking because their friends smoke compared with younger students (adjusted odds ratio: 1.18 [95% confidence interval 0.48–2.89]). Conclusion: School environment and behaviour of role models play a crucial part in student smoking. To prevent and reduce youth tobacco smoking, not merely the presence of preventive measures is important but greater attention needs to be placed on the enforcement of smoking policies. Highlights review: There is an association between perception of smoking and smoking status. Perception of employees or pupils smoking at school was higher among smoker. Smokers were less aware of preventive intervention organized at school. Knowledge about health effects of smoking differed between smokers and non-smokers. The article may serve as a basis for more tailored school-based interventions.