Prevalence of smokers among students of an institution of higher education in the backlands of Paraiba

Abstract

Objective: the objective was to characterize the prevalence of smoking among students of an IES. Method: this is a quantitative study conducted in the city of Cajazeiras - Paraiba in an IES between February and December 2010. The sample consisted of 248 students of the courses offered by healthcare education institution studied. Data were collected through questionnaire, after the signing of the agreement by the participants. Results: it was observed the following percentage of smokers among the students researched courses: 5.6% nursing, physiotherapy and pharmacy 4.5% 5.6%. The rate of ex-smokers identified among students was: 19% nursing, physiotherapy and pharmacy 9.1% 17%. Conclusion: the rate of students of IES smokers demands the adoption of pedagogical strategies that illustrate the harm from tobacco use.