ABS85: Smoking among Turkish adolescents: A review of the national literature

Abstract

Introduction:

Tobacco epidemic is one of the most important public health problems all around the world. Regarding the low success rates in smoking cessation activities, it seems more reasonable to prevent starting to smoke. Adolescents have the highest risk to start smoking especially in developing countries like Turkey. Nearly 30% of Turkish population consists of young individuals between 10 to 25 years old. Since many of the studies conducted among Turkish adolescents to determine their smoking behaviour were published in local publications, sufficient data on this issue is not available in international arena.

Aims and objectives:

The aim was to provide data about smoking behaviour among Turkish adolescents by reviewing papers published in local journals and books.

Methods:

Results of 42 studies conducted between 1988 and 2005 among young people aged 12–20 years were reviewed to determine smoking prevalence, incidence, gender distribution of smokers, starting age to smoke and smoking behaviours.

Results:

Mean starting age to smoke was reported between 12.6 and 16.9 years. Prevalence of regular smokers was between 1.7% and 55.9% and increasing with age. Smoking was also more prevalent in working adolescents than that of school attendants. The ratio of smokers among males was 1.1–6.3 times higher than that of females. Close friends, desire to imitate adults and curiosity were found effective on starting to smoke. In a study conducted among 12–13 years old students, 84% of the participants reported negative feelings about smoking people; however, 92% intended to start smoking in the future although majority of them reported that they had been already informed about the harmful effects of smoking on health.

Conclusions:

Smoking is prevalent among Turkish adolescents. Information about smoking behaviours, starting age and reasons for smoking in young population will direct the struggle against smoking.

Conflict of interest and funding

None.