Social and medical aspects of smoking at the adolescent age in Republic of Macedonia

Abstract

Introduction: The health is the most important investment in the social and economic development of the community. Goal: epidemic of smoking presents an increasing threat At the Adolescent Age health in Republic of Macedonia Material and method: Prospective survey research was conducted with survey questionnaire.Random sample. Target groups: young people at the age from 15 to 22. Subjects from both samples were divided into 2 groups: subjects who smoked and those who did not smoke. Results and Discussion: Boys smoke significantly more than girls (X2 = 13.3 df=1 p<0.0003). Young people try their first cigarette at the age of 14-16 (r = .12744). Young people smoke everywhere (Dmax = 0.11 p>0.05). Young people think that selling tobacco products to under age children should be banned (X2 = 10.13 df =1 p<0.0014). In Education of the mother of the subjects has influence on them so that they would not start smoking (Dmax = 0.18 p<0.05). The families of the young smokers damages that come from smoking are rarely discussed. In general, young people in Macedonia think that their peers who smoke are not well accepted by the community. More than half of the subjects think that the community they live in is a good place for living. Reasons for smoking are: habit, family problems, love problems, school, peer pressure, etc. Conclusions: Young people in Republic of Macedonia are well informed on smoking as a social-pathological phenomenon, and also that smoking is a risk factor for certain diseases. Regarding the young people’s views on smoking in the family, they consider mother to be the pillar of the family, and that she can considerably influence them to quit smoking. In general, young people in Macedonia think that their peers who smoke are not well accepted by the community.