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Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine

Published in:

01-07-2008 | Regular Article

Decrease in the prevalence of smoking among Japanese adolescents and its possible causes: periodic nationwide cross-sectional surveys

Authors: Yoneatsu Osaki, Takeo Tanihata, Takashi Ohida, Hideyuki Kanda, Yoshitaka Kaneita, Masumi Minowa, Kenji Suzuki, Kiyoshi Wada, Kenji Hayashi

Published in: Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine | Issue 4/2008

Abstract

Objectives

To assess trends in smoking prevalence among Japanese adolescents and to analyze possible causal factors for the decrease in smoking prevalence observed in a 2004 survey.

Methods

Nationwide cross-sectional surveys were conducted in 1996, 2000 and 2004. Survey schools, both junior and senior high schools, considered to be representative of the whole of Japan were sampled randomly. Enrolled students were asked to complete a self-reporting anonymous questionnaire on smoking behavior. The questionnaires were collected from 115,814 students in 1996, 106,297 in 2000, and 102,451 in 2004. School principals were asked about the policy of their respective school on smoking restrictions.

Results

Cigarette smoking prevalence (lifetime, current, and daily smoking) in 2004, based on the completed questionaires, had decreased relative to previous years in both sexes and in all school grades. The most important trends were: a decrease in smoking prevalence among the fathers and older brothers of the students; an increase in the proportion of students who did not have friends; a decrease in the proportion of current smokers who usually bought cigarettes in stores decreased in 2004, in particular for the oldest boys. An association was found between a lower smoking rate at a school and a smoke-free school policy.

Conclusions

Japan has experienced a decrease in the prevalence of smoking among adolescents. A decrease in smoking prevalence among the fathers and older brothers, limitations to minors’ access to tobacco, an increase in the proportion of students without friends, and a school policy restricting smoking may have contributed to this decreasing trend.

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Title: Decrease in the prevalence of smoking among Japanese adolescents and its possible causes: periodic nationwide cross-sectional surveys
Authors: Yoneatsu Osaki
Takeo Tanihata
Takashi Ohida
Hideyuki Kanda
Yoshitaka Kaneita
Masumi Minowa
Kenji Suzuki
Kiyoshi Wada
Kenji Hayashi
Publication date: 01-07-2008
Publisher: Springer Japan
Published in: Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine / Issue 4/2008
Print ISSN: 1342-078X
Electronic ISSN: 1347-4715
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12199-008-0033-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Decrease in the prevalence of smoking among Japanese adolescents and its possible causes: periodic nationwide cross-sectional surveys

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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