Teachers' smoking at school influences adolescents [Ergenli̇k çaǧindaki̇ öǧrenci̇ler öǧretmenleri̇ni̇n si̇gara i̇çmesi̇nden etki̇leni̇yor]

Abstract

Aim: To explore the knowledge and behaviour of adolescents from a low socio-economic region of Istanbul, regarding smoking and how these variables are affected by their teachers' smoking status. Method: This is a descriptive study carried out between February-March 2007 among 6th-8th grade students of 3 primary schools in Tasdelen region. A questionnaire was filled out by adolescents under supervision about their smoking experience, related factors and whether the students were affected by their teachers' smoking behaviour. After descriptive and comparative analysis of the data, a logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: Among the 560 participants, mean age was 13±1.08 (11-15). The incidence of a smoking experience at least once was 12%. At least one of the teachers was observed while smoking by 83.8% of the students, and 16% of them declared they were negatively affected by their teachers' smoking behaviour. Among the factors related to smoking experience, the teachers' smoking status (being a smoker) increased the risk of smoking significantly, according to the regression analysis (p=0,008;OR 7,476;95% CI 1,703-32,826). Conclusion: Adolescents are influenced by teachers' smoking at school. We think that the extent of this influence will decrease after the legislation (section number 5727, to take effect on July 19th 2009) prohibiting smoking in doors is passed.