9% of teens smoke

A presentation of the public opinion survey, "Teenagers and smoking in Azerbaijan" was held at Hyatt Regency Wednesday. The survey was conducted by the Center of social and market surveys, "Caucasus" in 2000.

The survey covered all the territories of Azerbaijan, excluding the occupied lands, divided into 7 zones. 1040 teenagers between 12-17 years and 823 people above 18 were polled.

The outcomes of the survey show that 9% of the teen-aged smoke and 17% used to do. In all, the rate of smoking experience among teens is too high. 51% of teenagers attend to smoking outside home or school in streets, parks and other places, 13% smoke in school, 11% at home and 15% at their friends'. 40% of the surveyed said their parents know that they smoke, while 58% replied that they are preached against smoking.

Taking part in the presentation ceremony were representatives of state and non-governmental organizations, who appreciated the work done, stressing the necessity of joint combat against teenage smoking.*