<< Epidemiology and Intervention Research

Main Challenges of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in Mexico: A Surveillance Report from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey

This study presents findings from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) regarding current cigarette smoking and other tobacco epidemic indicators.

Materials and Methods
The GYTS used a two-stage cluster sample survey to generate representative samples of students ages 12 to 15 years enrolled in public, private and technical schools. The survey was undertaken at 492 schools in 21 cities. The GYTS surveyed 42,024 students between the years 2003 and 2005. A logistic regression model was applied and crude and adjusted odds ratios were estimated.

Results
The overall current smoking rate during the 30 days preceding the survey was 19.96 percent (95% CI 18.1-21.8). Among those who never smoked, 25 percent were likely to begin smoking in the following year. Sixty percent of current smokers who bought their cigarettes in stores were not refused purchase because of their age. Exposure to advertising in outside areas was 86 percent, and 54 percent of students reported having been exposed to smoke in public places.

Conclusions
Comprehensive tobacco control programs should

• prevent access by minors to cigarettes
• make it more difficult to smoke
• prohibit all forms of tobacco advertising

In addition, options should be provided for those who wish to quit smoking, and adolescents and their families should be educated with respect to the dangers of smoking.

Related Publications
Valdés-Salgado R, Thrasher J, Sánchez-Zamorano LM, Lazcano-Ponce E, Reynales-Shigematsu LM, Meneses-González F, Hernández-Avila M. Main challenges of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in Mexico: A surveillance report from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey. Salud Publica Mex 2006;48 suppl 1:S5-S16. See article