Consumo de tabaco entre estudiantes de enseñanza media. II. Construcción de un modelo explicativo para el consumo

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to construct an explanative model of the habit of tabacco-consuming. which considers gender differences and the different stages throughout the progression of the habit of smoking. This would give a chance to identify relevant factors for future prevention and therapeutic actions. The investigation consists of a transversal study where a self-administered survey is applied to all junior high school students in the Region of Magallanes (n= 1.386). Sociodemografic variables were inquired with relation to school, models in the tabacco habit, psychosocial dimensions, characteristics of consume and other risk-related conducts (alcohol and illegal drug abuse). Models were constructed, based on a multiple logistic regression analysis. Among the conclusions found, it is necessary to highlight the importance of considering gender differences, as well as the different stages during the progression of tabacco-consuming. Also, treating the adolescent who shows risk conducts in an integral manner, as well as the need to consider the peer group, the efficiency of messages centered on the damage produced by tabacco, and the importance of cognitive and emotional variables.