Smoking and passive smoking exposure in young people: results of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS)

Abstract

Introduction: This study analyzes the prevalence and associated factors for smoking and passive smoking among young people.

Methods: The data are derived from a subsample of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS), carried out by the Robert Koch Institute between May 2003 and May 2006 (n = 6813, age = 11 to 17 years). This analysis considers current smoking status ("yes" or "no") and exposure to passive smoke ("several times a week or daily" versus "once a week or less frequently"). Social and educational status, parental smoking, and smoking status of friends were considered as associated factors.

Results: In the 11 to 17 year old group, 20.5% of boys and 20.3% of girls smoked. Of those who did not smoke, 40% reported passive smoking exposure daily or several times a week. Important associated factors for smoking are educational status, parental smoking, and in particular the smoking status of friends. For passive smoking exposure, parental smoking status was of paramount significance.

Discussion: These results show that adolescents are an important target group for anti-smoking interventions and that the main settings for these interventions are the school, the family, and the peer group.

Keywords: exposure to passive smoke; health in childhood and youth; health survey; prevention; smoking.

Figures

Figure 1

The percentage of young people who smoke, categorized by age and sex (n = 6730)

Figure 2

The percentage among non-smoking young people who are exposed to passive smoking several times a week or every day, categorized by age and sex (n = 6611)