The aim of this study was to characterize tobacco use among technical nursing students and educational activities developed at a State Technical School in Catanduva, SP, Brazil. This is an exploratory study with a quantitative approach. Data was collected based on a questionnaire developed by the WHO and answered by 75 students in October, 2008. The results show the use of tobacco at least once in life, the earlier onset of smoking (ages from 7 to 18 years), and the prevalence of women. Educational actions developed by the school included approaches using the content of drug use in the Health Education Curriculum I and isolated activities such as speeches with famous guests and group work. Continued actions involving students, teachers, staff, parents, and the community are necessary in the formal education process of future health care professionals.
Education, nursing, associate; Teaching; Tabacco; Smoking
