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

  • Celso Ivam Conegero UEM
  • Simone Demeis Braguim UEM
  • Cledina Regina Lonardan Acorsi UEM
  • Angela Maria Marcone de Araújo UEM

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.

Author Biographies

Celso Ivam Conegero, UEM
Docente Doutor do Departamento de Ciências Morfofisiológicas da Universidade Estadual de Maringá – UEM. E-mail: ciconegero@uem.br
Simone Demeis Braguim, UEM
Docente Especialista do Departamento de Estatística da Universidade Estadual de Maringá – UEM. E-mail: sdbraguim2@uem.br
Cledina Regina Lonardan Acorsi, UEM
Docente Mestre do Departamento de Estatística da Universidade Estadual de Maringá – UEM. E-mail: crlacorsi@uem.br
Angela Maria Marcone de Araújo, UEM
Docente Mestre do Departamento de Estatística da Universidade Estadual de Maringá – UEM. E-mail: ammaraujo@uem.br
Published
2008-09-25
Section
Artigos Originais