Smoking and respiratory symptoms in two groups of schoolchildren

Abstract

The effects of early cigarette smoking on respiratory symptoms have been studied in two large populations of schoolchildren ( 10–12 1 2 years ). Both studies were carried out in 1971 in two different areas of the United Kingdom. The smoking prevalence rates and respiratory symptoms were similar for both groups. Boys and girls in each area who smoked, reported more respiratory symptoms than nonsmokers, whether they attended urban or rural schools. The prevalence rate of smoking was similar in children in the final year of primary school ( 10–11 1 2 years ) to those in the first year of secondary school ( 11–12 1 2 years). Among the secondary schoolchildren, those attending secondary modern schools smoked more than those at grammar schools.