RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of tobacco consumption among the active insured population of the Mexican Social Security Institute. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study in which the active insured population from the 36 political delegations was interviewed by means of a structured and self-applicable questionnaire on tobacco consumption, age of initiation, amount of cigarettes consumed and suspension. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 45 117 subjects, of which approximately half were men and half women. Smoking prevalence in men was 40% and in women, 17.6%. Prevalence was highest in the north of the country. There is an effect of age on tobacco consumption and more than half started smoking during adolescence. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking prevalence was found to be high, however, the average number of cigarettes is low. Suspension index is low. Public health measures are necessary to diminish this addiction.