1281Prevalence and associated factors of cigarette smoking among youth population in Brazil: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Background The transition of adolescence to adulthood involves a variety of physical, behavioral and social transformations including try tobacco product. Understand smoking at this stage is important to tobacco control. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the use of cigarette smoking in Brazilian youth. Methods Nationwide study including participants aged 16 to 25 years from all Brazilian capitals between September/2016-December/2017. A standardized questionnaire with behavioral questions was applied by trained health care professionals. The sample was weighted in each capital by age range and sex. Results Of 8,581 participants (50.8% women), 15.1% were smokers and 20% former smokers. The average age of first use was 15.5 years. Smoking in men was higher than women (20.1% vs. 10.3%, p < 0.001). Those with elementary school smoked twice more compared to high school (25.6% vs. 13.6%, p < 0.001). Smoking was also associated to do not have a current partner when compared to those with partner (18.3% vs. 14.1%, p = 0.031), and who have had previous homosexual relationship (30.5%) compared to heterosexual individuals (12.5%, p < 0.001). In addition, smoking was associated to the regular use of alcohol compared to those who do not use (28.1% vs. 3.8%, p < 0.001). Skin color and social economic class didn’t show significant differences. Conclusions In this study be a man, have low education, a homosexual and alcohol use is associated to smoking among young. These findings are important for creation of policies to combat and prevent smoking in this population. Key message Smoking data among young people is important to direct new heath policies.