Validation of the capture-recapture method

The objective of this study was the validation of the capture-recapture method. In order to do this we compare the prevalence estimation by capture-recapture method and by survey of heavy smokers (ten o more cigarettes) between Barcelona University first and second cycle students. The results show prevalence estimation bigger for the survey than for the capture-recapture method. This difference could be a consequence of the little subjects captured in both captures and specially to the fact that the number of students recaptured was very little (only 5 students).