In 1991, together with 11 Preparatorias (University preparatory schools for students between the ages of 16 and 20 years) and one of the University’s schools of nursing, CIET carried out a state-wide study to determine the extent to which young people take up smoking, as well as to examine the associated risk factors and causes. An important objective was the initiation of a research culture across a large number of schools in the University. Thousands of students and staff participated in the data collection and in the analysis.

 

Nearly 19% of students in the Preparatoria and 11% of nursing students admitted to being smokers. Six out of ten student smokers acquire the habit during their years in the Preparatoria. A student who lives with a smoker in the house is at considerably higher risk of acquiring the habit than one who comes from a smoke-free household.