Age at smoking initiation and self-rated health among second grade high school boys and girls in Scania, Sweden, a cross-sectional study

摘要: Smoking is usually initiated early in life and most adult regular smokers have started smoking before 18 years of age. A younger age at initiation associated with risk taking behaviours worse health outcomes regarding psychological somatic conditions, suggested to be caused by exposure during critical developmental periods. The present study aims investigate self-rated among second grade high school boys girls related (<14 years and ≥ 14 years age) current former smokers, compared never smokers. Data was derived from the Scania public survey children adolescents 2012. cross-sectional retrospective information about first time cigarette experiences 3245 3434 school. Self-rated assessed question “How do you rate your general health”. Associations initiation, status poor were investigated logistic regression models. Crude odds ratios increased for all groups Former currently had highest health, (OR) 2.4 (95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.5–3.7) OR 2.9 CI: 2.3–3.6), respectively. After adjustments sociodemographic factors, health-related behaviours, psychosocial weight functional disabilities, results attenuated, but remained statistically significant 2.0 1.1–3.7) 1.7 1.1–2.4) later 2.1 1.5–2.8) 1.5 1.1–2.0). Boys reported poorer than initiators Poorer persisted also after cessation initiating boys. Further studies are needed understand adverse effects timing initiation.