Smoking trends and educational level in Italy in the age group 20-24, from 1950 to 2000

Smoking represents an important world research issue because of its diffusion among people and its effects on health. This study analyses, according to gender and educational level, the prevalence of smoking, in order to highlight the relationship between sociocultural status and smoking. Prevalence was calculated, with reference to Italian national data in 2000, by dividing a weighted population of 38,720,629 into 10 five-year birth cohorts. Results suggest that smoking is no longer perceived as being socially acceptable behavior. The prevalence declines for both sexes and educational levels, but in low educational levels the decline is slower. The study limitations are noted.