At least one in teenager 13-15 years old in the world (rate of almost 11%) is a smoker, according to a new international survey.
Researchers at the Center for Disease Control Prevention (CDC) of the US, led by epidemiologist Rene Aratsola, according to the Reuters agency, analyzed data for 61 countries from the period 2012-15.
Smoking is the leading cause of death and serious diseases that could be prevented, killing some six million people every year.
"It has been shown that smoking causes damage to almost every organ of the body and most adult smokers started smoking during their teens. Efforts to avoid tobacco use by young people are therefore vital to prevent another generation of adults who will smoke and suffer from smoking-related illnesses and premature deaths,"said Arasola
In most countries, at least half of smokers adolescents said they wanted to cut it, ranging from 32% in Uruguay to 90% in the Philippines. In Greece, the figure is around 45% and is among the lowest in the world (ie less than half of Greek teens declare willing to quit).
Source: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ
Link to the scientific publication:https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/66/wr/mm6620a3.htm?s_cid=mm6620a3_w
