Smoking and passive smoking exposure in young people: results of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS).

INTRODUCTION This study analyzes the prevalence and associated factors for smoking and passive smoking among young people. METHODS The data are derived from a subsample of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS), carried out by the Robert Koch Institute between May 2003 and May 2006 (n = 6813, age = 11 to 17 years). This analysis considers current smoking status ("yes" or "no") and exposure to passive smoke ("several times a week or daily" versus "once a week or less frequently"). Social and educational status, parental smoking, and smoking status of friends were considered as associated factors. RESULTS In the 11 to 17 year old group, 20.5% of boys and 20.3% of girls smoked. Of those who did not smoke, 40% reported passive smoking exposure daily or several times a week. Important associated factors for smoking are educational status, parental smoking, and in particular the smoking status of friends. For passive smoking exposure, parental smoking status was of paramount significance. DISCUSSION These results show that adolescents are an important target group for anti-smoking interventions and that the main settings for these interventions are the school, the family, and the peer group.