Characterization of Tobacco Smoking in the District of Iguatemi, Maringá Pr Brazil, in 2007

Abstract

According to WHO data, tobacco smoking is the greatest avoidable cause of disease and death worldwide. Eight Brazilians die every hour as a consequence of tobacco smoking, the single greatest avoidable cause of early death worldwide. Since it is one of the most serious concerns to public health, current research characterizes tobacco smoking in the district of Iguatemi, municipality of Maringá PR Brazil. A questionnaire with multiple choice questions was prepared on necessary information required by current research. A data bank was established after the analysis of the questionnaire. An exploratory analysis followed and, when required, tests were undertaken to verify the existence of associations among the variables. According to methodology employed, 99% of the population in the district of Iguatemi were aware of the effects of tobacco smoking. Since initiation in tobacco smoking persists, preventive conscious-raising should focus on the school environment. In fact, initiation in tobacco smoking starts at an early age: 83% of smokers start smoking before their 20th birthday which is the age bracket in which young people frequent the secondary school. Conscious-raising on passive smoking should also be undertaken within the home milieu since 70% of the population are in direct contact with tobacco smokers in the home.