ORIGINAL PAPER
Cigarette smoking among 17–18 year old adolescents – Prevalence and association with sociodemographic, familial, sport, and scholastic factors
 
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1
University of Podgorica, Podgorica, Monte Negro (Faculty of Sport and Physical Education)
 
2
University of Split, Split, Croatia (Faculty of Kinesiology)
 
3
Ministry of Culture, Pristina, Republic of Kosovo (Youth and Sports of Republic of Kosovo)
 
4
University of Split, Split, Croatia (University Department of Health Care Studies)
 
 
Corresponding author
Damir Sekulic   

University of Split, Teslina 6, Split 21000, Croatia
 
 
Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2015;66(2):153-63
 
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ABSTRACT
Introduction: Though adolescence is recognised as a critical period for smoking prevention, there is a lack of research focused on this issue in Kosovo. The aim of this study has been to examine the gender-specific factors of influence (predictors) for smoking among adolescents in Pristina, Kosovo. Material and Methods: The study sample comprised 1002 adolescents at the age of 17–18 (366 boys, 636 girls), all of whom were in the school’s 12th grade. The predictors included sociodemographic variables, familial (i.e., parental) monitoring, parents’ educational background, and sport-related factors. The Chi2 and forward stepwise logistic regression analyses with a dichotomous criterion (smoking vs. non-smoking) were applied. Results: The incidence of smoking was high (31% and 40% smokers, including 7% and 12% daily smokers for girls and boys, respectively). The regression model revealed more frequent absence from school (odds ratio (OR): 1.544; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.063–2.243), more unexcused school absences (OR: 1.360; 95% CI: 1.029–1.796), and frequent parental questioning (OR: 1.530; 95% CI: 1.020–2.295) to be significant predictors of smoking among boys. For girls, a higher risk of smoking was associated with lower scholastic achievement (OR: 1.467; 95% CI: 1.089–1.977), more frequent absence from school (OR: 1.565; 95% CI: 1.137–2.155), increased conflict with parents (OR: 1.979; 95% CI: 1.405–2.789), and a self-declared perception of less parental care (OR: 0.602; 95% CI: 0.377–0.962). Sports were not found to be strongly related to smoking. However, a high risk of daily smoking was found among boys who participated in team sports and subsequently quit. Conclusions: This study reinforces the need for gender- and culture-specific approaches to studying the factors that influence smoking among adolescents. Med Pr 2015;66(2):153–163
eISSN:2353-1339
ISSN:0465-5893
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