Prevalence of asthma symptoms among adolescents in Brazil: National Adolescent School-based Health Survey (PeNSE 2012).

Objective: This study aims to describe the prevalence rates of asthma symptoms in Brazil, its Regions and State capitals, according to data from the National Adolescent School-based Health Survey, 2012. Furthermore, it aims to compare the prevalence of asthma in the capitals evaluated by PeNSE 2012 with previous results of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC).

Methods: Cross sectional study of 9th grade students at public and private schools of all Brazilian states and the Federal District (Brasília).

Experimentation and use of cigarette and other tobacco products among adolescents in the Brazilian state capitals (PeNSE 2012).

Introduction: Nicotine dependence establishes itself more rapidly among adolescents than among adults. Tobacco occupies the fourth place in the rank of main risk factors for non-communicable diseases in the continent. Studies reveal that other forms of tobacco use have increased among adolescents.