Age at the onset of tobacco smoking in South Africa: a discrete-time survival analysis of the prognostic factors.

The onset of tobacco smoking peaked at 15-22 years and varied by province, sex, location, race and other characteristics. The age restrictions on smoking in South Africa has changed over time, coupled with the recent open and electronic advertisement of tobacco, and social media could have influenced the earlier onset of tobacco smoking in South Africa. Stricter regulations on tobacco-related advertisement and sales should be implemented.