Objective:

To analyze psychosocial factors associated with the decision to smoke in students 13 to 15 years in Mexico City.

Materials and methods:

Logistic regression models of Youth Tobacco Survey (n=945) and four Focus Groups (GF) in two secondary schools, conducted in 2011-2012, were used.

Results:

Factors associated with smoking: a) believe that it is safe (OR=2.4, CI95% 1.28-4.7), GF: ability to control over consumption and long-term damage; b) to have at least one smoking parent (OR=1.6, CI95% 1.1-2.3), GF: influence to start/maintain consumption; c) to have friends who smoke (OR=5.0, CI95% 1.9-13.6), GF: influence to experimentation/repeat, schools without rules on prohibition and have access to cigarettes (OR=2.1, CI95% 0.9-4.1). Protective factors: a) believe that it is harmful (OR=0.3, CI95% 0.14-0.65), GF: rejection of cohabitation with smokers; b) communication with family (OR=0.5, CI95% 0.36-0.91), GF: appeal to self-care; c) consider is young for smoking (OR=0.2, CI95% 0.12-0.43), GF: knowledge about damage and risk perception.

Conclusion:

It is necessary to strengthen positive psychosocial skills and strengthen compliance with youth protection legislation.

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