title: Smoking among adolescents in China: 1998 survey findings.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In China, tobacco smoking accounts for approximately 800 000 deaths annually and evidence suggests that tobacco use is rising. To improve tobacco control initiatives directed at youth, we conducted a population-based survey of children ages 11-20 years, both in and out of school. While there have been previous school-based studies on smoking prevalence and smoking-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours among adolescents in China, including the Global Youth Tobacco Survey, this survey also describes smoking behaviour among non-student youth. This population is important as approximately 40% of Chinese youths aged 15-19 years have already discontinued their studies.
  
  
  METHODS
  A survey of smoking behaviour and smoking-related knowledge and attitudes was administered to 24 000 youths (students and non-students of middle school age) in 24 disease surveillance points in China, selected to include equal numbers of urban and rural children.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The prevalence rates of experimenting were 47.8% for boys and 12.8% for girls. The prevalence of regular smoking among non-students was higher (8.3%) compared with students (5.2%). The strongest predictor of regular smoking was peer influence with 44% reporting that they obtained their first cigarette from peers. The majority of youths were aware that smoking was a cause of several diseases and addictive; however, non-students were less aware than students.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The evidence highlights the need for tobacco control interventions aimed at youths in China including non-student youths. For males, prevention programmes should extend into young adulthood.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.
authors.forename: Gonghuan
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Jiemin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ma
authors.forename: Ai Ping
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Shannon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Carl E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Jonathan M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Samet
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D002648:Child; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D010379:Peer Group; D015995:Prevalence; D012423:Rural Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D014504:Urban Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data