To identify differences in the prevalence of smoking and second-hand smoke exposure between Spanish and immigrant pregnant women, as well as the factors associated with continued smoking during pregnancy. An epidemiologic cross-sectional study was carried out in women attended at delivery in Zaragoza (Spain). A smoking questionnaire was used to collect the following variables: the women's and partners' sociodemographic factors and smoking behavior, second-hand smoke exposure and perception of the risks of this exposure. We included 2440 women (35% immigrants). A total of 31.1% smoked before becoming pregnant and 18.2% during pregnancy, with significant differences between Spanish and immigrant women (21.9% versus 8.7%; p<0.001). Immigrant women lived with a greater number of smokers, smoked more inside the home, were exposed to second-hand smoke for a greater number of hours per day, avoided public places with second-hand smoke less, and more often worked in bars and restaurants. The following factors were associated with smoking during pregnancy: being Spanish, smoking a greater number of cigarettes before pregnancy, being exposed to second-hand smoke at home for a greater number of hours, having a low perception of risks and having a partner with lower educational attainment. The prevalence of smoking is higher among Spanish pregnant women than immigrant women, although the immigrant population is more exposed to second-hand smoke at home and at work. There are socio-cultural differences that should be taken into account when carrying out interventions in women of reproductive age.

To identify factors predictive of the outcome of a smoking cessation program by gender. A cross-sectional study of smokers starting treatment in a smoking cessation clinic from 2002 to 2007 was conducted. The variables consisted of data on sociodemographic factors, smoking habits, the social context of smoking and psychiatric comorbidity prior to or during the smoking cessation process. All patients received multicomponent treatment consisting of psychological and pharmacological interventions. Success was defined as self-reported continuous abstinence confirmed by cooximetry (CO ≤10 ppm). Logistic regression was used to analyze the factors predictive of success. A total of 1302 persons (52.1% men and 47.9% women), with a mean age of 43.4 (10.2) years, were included. The mean number of cigarettes smoked per day was 25.3 (10.4) and the mean Fagerström test score was 6.2 (2.2) points. The success rate was 41.3% (538) with no differences by gender. Positive predictors were lower nicotine dependence and having a non-smoking partner in men and older age, smoking fewer cigarettes per day, having fewer smoking friends and not experiencing depression or anxiety during the treatment in women. Men and women have similar tobacco abstinence outcomes although gender factors play a role in determining abstinence. The gender perspective should be incorporated in smoking prevention and cessation programs.

Objetivo: Mejorar el conocimiento de algunos de los factores y actitudes que pueden influir en el consumo de drogas de los estudiantes universitarios españoles de primer curso, en especial en lo referente al tabaco. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo mediante cuestionario anónimo y voluntario. Variables de estudio: sexo, edad, entorno familiar, consumo de tabaco, alcohol y cannabis, actitudes a favor y en contra de fumar, percepción de peligrosidad y percepción de las conductas de los amigos. Resultados: 2445 alumnos, 1014 hombres (42%) y 1431 mujeres (58%), edad media 19 años. En la población estudiada un mayor porcentaje de mujeres que de hombres afirma que fumar tabaco es apetecible, creen que les ayuda a estar delgadas y les hace sentir bien; los hombres afirman en mayor proporción que facilita la relación grupal. Los universitarios que fuman tabaco se iniciaron en el consumo de alcohol antes que los que no fuman. El 16,5% del total de la muestra consume cannabis a diario, ocasionalmente o los fines de semana. El 10,4% afirma que sus amigos han probado y consumen otras drogas. Conclusiones: En este estudio las mujeres y los hombres tienen distinta percepción sobre el tabaco, y el porcentaje de mujeres fumadoras es mayor. El nivel de tolerancia hacia el alcohol contribuye a que los jóvenes tengan una menor percepción del riesgo. Se podría pensar que el inicio tabáquico temprano puede actuar como la puerta de entrada para el consumo de alcohol y otras drogas.