[Tobacco consumption among teenagers of school age in the East Georgian region of Kakheti].

The aim of the article was to study tobacco consumption in the East Georgian region of Kakheti among rural and urban pupils using the anonymous epidemiological questionnaire. The survey was carried out on 412 pupils aged 15-18 years (220 girls and 192 boys). Research showed that 98,3% of teenagers are informed about tobacco harm; 71,3% of respondents did not know of the dangers of passive smoking. 63,9% of urban teenagers are non-smokers; 73,9% of rural teenagers are non-smokers. It was found that smoke (44,4 ± 8,28%). of 16 year old, 19,4 ± 6,6% of 17 year old, and 33,4 ± 7,9%. of 18 year old pupils. 2,8 ± 2,7% of 15 year old pupils consume tobacco. Tried tobacco for the first time at the age of: 12 (16,9 ± 1,78%), 14 (17,7 ± 1,8%) and 16 (21,7 ± 3,7%) Did not smoke (73,9 ± 4,6%), of rural pupils and (63,8 ± 2,7%) of urban pupils. The investigation showed that in Kakheti the consumption of tobacco among pupils is less than in other regions of Georgia (8,7% and 23,3% respectively), passive smokers (62,9% and 93,3% respectively) and incidental consumers of tobacco (25,2 % and 42%). In the region of Kakheti there are less passive smokers than in other regions of Georgia. There are no places separately allocated for smokers in Kakheti. It is concluded that it is necessary to increase the information of population in the region (local telecasting, booklets and other educational actions), concerning harm of consumption of tobacco and especially about harm of passive smoking. It will improve indicators of consumption of tobacco and will positively be displayed on indicators of chronic non-contagious diseases.