Original paper
Prevalence of smoking and BMI differences between smokers and non-smokers among children and adolescents aged 7–18 years in south-east Poland
Wandycz, Artur; Jankowiak, Łukasz; Jerzak, Izabela
Anthropologischer Anzeiger Volume 75 No. 2 (2018), p. 101 - 111
published: May 1, 2018
published online: Mar 14, 2018
manuscript accepted: Jan 17, 2018
manuscript revision received: Jan 17, 2018
manuscript revision requested: Jul 30, 2017
manuscript received: Jun 2, 2017
DOI: 10.1127/anthranz/2018/0782
ArtNo. ESP140007502001, Price: 29.00 €
Abstract
Abstract Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of smoking among children and adolescents aged 7–18 years, and also to determine the relationship between this addiction and the Body Mass Index (BMI). Methods: Basic anthropometric measurements were performed, and information concerning cigarette smoking and basic SES was gathered using the questionnaire method. Results: More than 5% of boys admit to smoking at the age of 10–11 years, and as many as 22% 18-year-olds admit to doing so. With regard to girls, the situation is slightly better because it is only among 14-year-olds that the percentage of smokers exceeds 5%. Smoking may affect average BMIs. Smoking had a negative impact on the magnitude of physical development indices among children between 8 and 12 years old. Conclusions: The percentage of smokers increases with age. Boys smoke more often than girls. Tobacco smoking in middle childhood (8–12 years) is associated with lower BMIs.
Keywords
tobacco smoking • children • adolescents • body mass index