[Trends in cigarette smoking among Warsaw teenagers: the Mokotów study 1984-2000].

Unlabelled: Since mid 1980s self-report anonymous surveys were repeated in all types of secondary schools in Mokotów - the biggest district of Warsaw. The study was aimed at trends and patterns in teenagers' substance use including cigarette smoking. Between 1984-2000 there were five surveys utilizing the same procedure and instruments and targeted at 15 years old students. The number of students participating in these five surveys ranged from 2000 to 3900.

Results: Between 1988-2000 total cigarette use had increased from about 26% to 36%. This increase was mainly influenced by the shift in daily smoking rates - from about 10% in 1988 to nearly 18% in 2000. These changes were stronger among girls. In this period the rates of female daily smoking had increased nearly three times and reached about 18% in 2000. As a result in 2000 smoking rates became similar (daily smoking) or were even higher among girls if total smoking was considered. Systematic growth in cigarette use among girls observed since 1988 reflects general changes in health-related behaviour of teen-age girls. Growing smoking rates among 15 year old students were in contrast with decreasing tendencies observed among their parents. Between 1984 and 2000 the group of students having both nonsmoking parents increased about 10%. Results of multivariable logistic regression confirmed that alcohol use and company of drug taking peers are the most prominent risk factors for smoking among the 15 year olds. Other significant risk factors were connected with school career (poor academic achievement and type of secondary school) and family patterns (regularly smoking parents). The relationship between these factors and teenager smoking was stable during the years covered by the Mokotów study.

Conclusions: Cigarette smoking among Warsaw teenagers increased significantly in the past decade, which consistent with the general increase in psychoactive substance use among youth in Poland. This process can be considered as a real challenge for teachers and physicians working with youth.