[Smoking during early adolescence. A study in schoolchildren from Argentina].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence of smoking among pre-teenagers (11 and 12 years of age) and to identify risk factors for smoking. METHOD A cross-sectional study was carried out with 2,386 schoolchildren from 19 schools in Argentina. A structured, self-completed and anonymous questionnaire was employed. RESULTS The prevalence of smoking was 15.1%, ranging from 7.9% in the 7th grade to 23.9% in the 9th grade. The mean age at the start of smoking was 11.7 years. Peer and family pressure were statistically significant risk factors for initiating the habit. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the recommendation to begin smoking prevention programs before early adolescence.