Abstract

TEODORO, Maycoln L. M.; CERQUEIRA-SANTOS, Elder; MORAIS, Normanda Araujo de  and  KOLLER, Silvia H.. Protective factors related to smoking among Brazilian youth. Univ. Psychol. [online]. 2008, vol.7, n.1, pp. 139-147. ISSN 1657-9267.

The aim of this study is to explore the relation of positive family climate, well-being at school and religiosity/spirituality between Brazilian youth groups of smokers and non-smokers. A non-random sample of 1.232 participants (631 males and 601 females) completed the questionnaire of this study. Ages ranged from 14 to 18 years (mean=15.68; SD=1.26). Smokers had significantly less positive family climate and well-being in school than the non-smoking youth. Regression analysis showed that all psychological characteristics act as protective factors for the smoking behavior among girls. On the other side, high well-being in school and attending school during the day can work as protective factors for boys. These findings can be important in the elaboration of public politics to reduce tobacco consumption.

Keywords : Adolescent behavior; Smoking; Tobacco; Risk factors; Adolescent behaviour; Smoking; Public policies; Brasil.

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