Last update:
24-Jan-2024

ΟBJECTIVE The determination of socio-economic, demographic and environmental factors as well as the lifestyle of the Greek family, which possibly shape the degree of passive and active smoking among teenagers-students of vocational high schools.

METHOD The sample consisted of 265 students from technical vocational high schools in the prefecture of Achaia, who were spirometrically (max % expiratory flow [PEF, pred79%], forced vital capacity [FVC] and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec [FEV₁.pred80%]) tested and answered a questionnaire which was based on the tools of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey.

RESULTS 61.2% of the sample were men, most aged 14−18 years and with a percentage of smokers reaching 81.1%. Age, smoking initiation, active or passive smoking, poor place of residence, and number of cigarettes (%pred) were assessed as independent predictors of PEF. Smokers and those in late adolescence also had lower FEV₁ (%pred). It seems interesting that despite the impaired respiratory function, the generally not good physical condition and the overall low quality of life, the popularity and sociability of these students remains high. %max expiratory flow, forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec were the respiratory function parameters that differed statistically significantly between smokers and non-smokers (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS It appears that young smokers-students of vocational high schools have their respiratory function reduced quite early in life, therefore immediate preventive interventions in secondary education are necessary. Thus, through participation in interactive programs, students will acquire supplement or revise their knowledge and perceptions, developing and strengthening anti-smoking attitudes, and cultivating health positive values and attitudes.

Key words: Predisposing factors, Pulmonary function test, Smoking, Spirometry, Students.