Factors associated with smoking among female adolescents

Abstract

The objective was to learn about the factors associated with smoking among female adolescents. A descriptive, qualitative research, in two schools in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. A total of 75 female teenagers participated in the study. The content analysis was used with the support of the qualitative analysis support software. Tobacco use was associated with body weight control, socialization in the school setting, reduction of anxiety and stress, and poor perception of health risk. Actions to prevent tobacco use in the school environment should be planned considering gender, age, language and lifestyles.