This study analyzed tobacco smoking among different age groups in Sofia, Bulgaria. It found high smoking rates, especially among teenagers (44% of 13-19 year olds) and younger men (51.7% of men aged 20-40). Smoking places a large economic burden on both individuals and Bulgaria as a whole. The authors call for stronger tobacco control policies to reduce smoking rates and protect public health, especially among youth. Effective programs are needed to curb the tobacco epidemic and its social and economic costs in Bulgaria.
Policy Brief: Tobacco control in PolandPatti Maisner
This policy brief discusses tobacco control in Poland and makes several policy recommendations. Tobacco use remains a major public health issue and cause of preventable death in Poland. While tobacco rates have decreased over the past 20 years, more can still be done to reduce rates according to WHO guidelines. Key issues include lack of full smoke-free laws, low tobacco prices, influence of tobacco industry, and lack of comprehensive cessation programs. The brief recommends Poland fully implement WHO MPOWER strategies to close gaps, develop health education programs evaluated for impact, and utilize social media for anti-smoking campaigns to further reduce tobacco rates.
This document discusses strategies for reducing tobacco use and related cancers in Europe. It argues that smoking cessation is key to curbing the cancer burden from tobacco. Taxation and price increases are very effective at reducing tobacco consumption, but the tobacco industry opposes such measures. Smoke-free legislation that prevents secondhand smoke exposure also discourages tobacco use and helps promote denormalization of smoking. However, too few smokers receive treatment for tobacco dependence, despite effective and cost-effective options being available. Widespread implementation of smoking cessation programs could have a major long-term impact on reducing cancer rates.
This document provides smoking prevalence and tobacco control data for England. Key facts include that smoking prevalence among adults was 14.9% in 2017. Smoking rates are higher among manual workers and those with serious mental illness. 6.7% of 15-year-olds regularly smoke. Smoking causes over 1,500 years of life lost per 100,000 people due to related illnesses like cancer and heart disease. Over 1,600 people per 100,000 successfully quit smoking in England in 2016/17.
This document provides smoking prevalence data and statistics for England from multiple surveys. Some key points include: smoking prevalence among adults was 14.4% in 2018; prevalence was higher for routine workers and those with mental health conditions; smoking attributable mortality was 263 per 100,000; and in 2018/19 there were 1,863 successful quitters per 100,000 smokers in England. The document contains detailed smoking statistics at national and local levels.
Financial losses in smoking and its consequences inAlexander Decker
This document summarizes a study on the financial losses and consequences of smoking in Bangladesh. It finds that smoking results in huge financial losses at individual, family, and national levels. Direct losses include costs of tobacco production and purchasing cigarettes. Indirect losses include lost productivity, family problems, and high healthcare costs to treat smoking-related illnesses. The study aims to quantify these financial losses and identify the causes of smoking in Bangladesh in order to discourage smoking and reduce its economic impacts.
1) The document discusses electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in Pakistan, including their rise in popularity as a potential smoking cessation method. It provides background information on e-cigarettes and reviews several studies on awareness and use in Pakistan and other countries.
2) The prevalence of smoking is high among youth and students in Pakistan. One study found 6.2% of medical students reported using e-cigarettes. However, data on e-cigarette prevalence and awareness in Pakistan is limited.
3) The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant changes in smoking behaviors worldwide. Providing smoking cessation support, including for e-cigarette use, could help many motivated individuals quit successfully during the
This document provides smoking prevalence data and statistics for England from various surveys. Some key points:
- Smoking prevalence among adults was 14.4% in 2018, with higher rates for routine/manual workers and those with mental health conditions or disabilities.
- 10.8% of women smoked at delivery in 2017/18. Smoking rates varied significantly between local authorities.
- Smoking attributable mortality was 263 per 100,000 population in 2015-17. Smoking also contributes to years of life lost, cancers, heart and lung disease.
- Smoking rates were lower among youth, with 6.7% of 15-year olds smoking regularly in 2016. Regional variation exists among local authorities.
This document provides smoking prevalence data and statistics for England from various surveys. Some key points include:
- Smoking prevalence among adults in England was 14.9% in 2017, with higher rates among routine/manual workers.
- 10.8% of women smoked at delivery in 2017/18, ranging from 26.0% to 2.0% between local authorities.
- Smoking rates were highest among those with mental health conditions or long-term mental illness.
- 6.7% of 15 year olds were regular smokers in 2016, with higher rates in some local authorities like Blackpool.
- Smoking attributable mortality was 263 per 100,000 population in 2015-17, ranging significantly
Policy Brief: Tobacco control in PolandPatti Maisner
This policy brief discusses tobacco control in Poland and makes several policy recommendations. Tobacco use remains a major public health issue and cause of preventable death in Poland. While tobacco rates have decreased over the past 20 years, more can still be done to reduce rates according to WHO guidelines. Key issues include lack of full smoke-free laws, low tobacco prices, influence of tobacco industry, and lack of comprehensive cessation programs. The brief recommends Poland fully implement WHO MPOWER strategies to close gaps, develop health education programs evaluated for impact, and utilize social media for anti-smoking campaigns to further reduce tobacco rates.
This document discusses strategies for reducing tobacco use and related cancers in Europe. It argues that smoking cessation is key to curbing the cancer burden from tobacco. Taxation and price increases are very effective at reducing tobacco consumption, but the tobacco industry opposes such measures. Smoke-free legislation that prevents secondhand smoke exposure also discourages tobacco use and helps promote denormalization of smoking. However, too few smokers receive treatment for tobacco dependence, despite effective and cost-effective options being available. Widespread implementation of smoking cessation programs could have a major long-term impact on reducing cancer rates.
This document provides smoking prevalence and tobacco control data for England. Key facts include that smoking prevalence among adults was 14.9% in 2017. Smoking rates are higher among manual workers and those with serious mental illness. 6.7% of 15-year-olds regularly smoke. Smoking causes over 1,500 years of life lost per 100,000 people due to related illnesses like cancer and heart disease. Over 1,600 people per 100,000 successfully quit smoking in England in 2016/17.
This document provides smoking prevalence data and statistics for England from multiple surveys. Some key points include: smoking prevalence among adults was 14.4% in 2018; prevalence was higher for routine workers and those with mental health conditions; smoking attributable mortality was 263 per 100,000; and in 2018/19 there were 1,863 successful quitters per 100,000 smokers in England. The document contains detailed smoking statistics at national and local levels.
Financial losses in smoking and its consequences inAlexander Decker
This document summarizes a study on the financial losses and consequences of smoking in Bangladesh. It finds that smoking results in huge financial losses at individual, family, and national levels. Direct losses include costs of tobacco production and purchasing cigarettes. Indirect losses include lost productivity, family problems, and high healthcare costs to treat smoking-related illnesses. The study aims to quantify these financial losses and identify the causes of smoking in Bangladesh in order to discourage smoking and reduce its economic impacts.
1) The document discusses electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in Pakistan, including their rise in popularity as a potential smoking cessation method. It provides background information on e-cigarettes and reviews several studies on awareness and use in Pakistan and other countries.
2) The prevalence of smoking is high among youth and students in Pakistan. One study found 6.2% of medical students reported using e-cigarettes. However, data on e-cigarette prevalence and awareness in Pakistan is limited.
3) The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant changes in smoking behaviors worldwide. Providing smoking cessation support, including for e-cigarette use, could help many motivated individuals quit successfully during the
This document provides smoking prevalence data and statistics for England from various surveys. Some key points:
- Smoking prevalence among adults was 14.4% in 2018, with higher rates for routine/manual workers and those with mental health conditions or disabilities.
- 10.8% of women smoked at delivery in 2017/18. Smoking rates varied significantly between local authorities.
- Smoking attributable mortality was 263 per 100,000 population in 2015-17. Smoking also contributes to years of life lost, cancers, heart and lung disease.
- Smoking rates were lower among youth, with 6.7% of 15-year olds smoking regularly in 2016. Regional variation exists among local authorities.
This document provides smoking prevalence data and statistics for England from various surveys. Some key points include:
- Smoking prevalence among adults in England was 14.9% in 2017, with higher rates among routine/manual workers.
- 10.8% of women smoked at delivery in 2017/18, ranging from 26.0% to 2.0% between local authorities.
- Smoking rates were highest among those with mental health conditions or long-term mental illness.
- 6.7% of 15 year olds were regular smokers in 2016, with higher rates in some local authorities like Blackpool.
- Smoking attributable mortality was 263 per 100,000 population in 2015-17, ranging significantly
Smoking was identified as a major addictive behavior among students at Tula State University in Russia. According to surveys, 75% of Russian citizens associate a healthy lifestyle with smoking cessation. The number of smokers in Russia has increased over the last 20 years, especially among younger people aged 15-19. Among college students, 75% of males and 64% of females smoke. The report identifies predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors for smoking among TSU students and recommends addressing these through seminars, presentations, and activities to decrease smoking rates by 30% by June 2014.
This document discusses efforts to develop safer cigarettes through modifying tobacco and reducing tar and toxic compounds. In the 20th century, tobacco companies experimented with adding filters and other additives to cigarettes in attempts to make them less hazardous. One promising attempt involved adding palladium to tobacco, but this "Epic" brand was withheld from the market due to pressure from tobacco control groups and other companies. Later attempts in the 1970s by government and industry to develop "tobacco substitutes" and ultra-low tar cigarettes also failed commercially. Opponents argued safer cigarettes could deter quitting and mask the true risks of smoking. Overall, fully neutralizing the harms of smoking has proved very difficult due to the many toxic compounds produced from
This presentation was developed for our CLeaR (local government tobacco control standards) assessment in July 2014. It sets out our vision for tobacco control in Hertfordshire, summarises our strategies and current position and identifies our future work including commitment to harm reduction, getting positive gains from e-cigarettes and driving tobacco related harm down
This document provides smoking prevalence and tobacco control data for England from multiple surveys. Some key points include:
- Smoking prevalence among adults in England was 14.4% in 2018, with higher rates among routine/manual workers and those with mental health conditions or disabilities.
- Smoking during pregnancy in 2018/19 was 10.8% nationally, with rates varying significantly between local authorities.
- Smoking prevalence among 15 year-olds was estimated at 5.3% regularly and 6.1% occasionally in 2018 based on national surveys.
- Smoking attributable mortality in England was 250 per 100,000 population from 2016-2018, with over 1,300 years of life lost per 100,000 due to
This document discusses harm reduction strategies in tobacco control. It notes that while some smokers can quit abruptly, others are unable to and need alternative support to reduce harm from tobacco use. This could involve using safer nicotine sources while reducing tobacco consumption. The document reviews why harm reduction and tobacco control are relevant now, given newer less harmful nicotine delivery methods. It acknowledges the controversy but argues regulation should be proportionate to risk and avoid unintended consequences. A group work activity asks about the potential role and form of harm reduction in tobacco control, as well as alternative strategies.
Tobacco Harm Reduction by Somchai Bovornkitti* in Crimson Publishers: Telemedicine and e-Health open access journals
Cigarette smoke contain approximately 250 different chemicals known to be harmful to human health. Thousands of harmful chemical substances produce by the combustion of tobacco. The health impacts such as cancer and chronic lung disease are not only associated with smokers but also people who are exposed to secondhand smoke. Tobacco Harm Reduction is a concept to minimize the impacts of tobacco on the individual and on society at large. A key component of this strategy is using alternative source of nicotine as a substitute to tobacco cigarettes. Electronic cigarette and heated tobacco are alternatives that might have potential in reduce harm from smokes. This paper elaborates on available research associated with electronic cigarette and heated tobacco with harm reduction and risk perspective.
https://crimsonpublishers.com/tteh/fulltext/TTEH.000522.php
For more Open access journals in Crimson Publishers
Please click on: https://crimsonpublishers.com/
For more Articles on Telemedicine and e-Health open access journals
please click on link: https://crimsonpublishers.com/tteh/index.php
Please follow the below link for our LinkedIn page
https://www.linkedin.com/company/crimsonpublishers
Prevalence and factors of smoking among the saudi youth in the northern borde...prjpublications
This document summarizes a study on smoking prevalence and factors among Saudi youth in the Northern Border Region of Saudi Arabia. It provides background on tobacco control programs and policies in Saudi Arabia. The study aimed to determine smoking prevalence among different youth groups in the region, assess factors influencing smoking uptake, and evaluate the effectiveness of tobacco control interventions. A cross-sectional study surveyed over 1000 secondary school students, university students, and café visitors. Results showed smoking prevalence ranged from 9.8-70.3% depending on the group. The most common reasons for smoking initiation varied but included social influences. Over 40% of smokers felt tobacco control programs were effective, though more interventions are still needed to reduce youth smoking in the region.
This document provides an overview of tobacco use in Indonesia based on the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) conducted in 2011. Some key points:
- Indonesia has high rates of tobacco use, ranked 3rd in the world for cigarette consumption. About 35% of those aged 15 and older smoke tobacco.
- Kreteks, clove-flavored cigarettes, dominate the Indonesian market and deliver more nicotine and toxins than regular cigarettes.
- Tobacco places a large economic burden on Indonesia, costing over $1.8 billion in 2010 for healthcare related to smoking-caused diseases.
- While Indonesia has some tobacco control policies, it has not signed the global tobacco control treaty
Raising the minimum legal age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21 will significantly reduce tobacco use among youth and young adults. Studies show that nearly all adult smokers begin smoking by age 18, so increasing the minimum age makes it harder for teenagers to access cigarettes. Data from communities that have raised the minimum age to 21 show significant decreases in smoking among high schoolers. The document outlines various studies and estimates from health organizations that predict raising the age will improve public health outcomes like fewer premature deaths and lower rates of infant mortality over time.
Dr. Terry F. Pechacek, professor of health management and policy at the School of Public Health at Georgia State University, discusses strategies for tobacco control, including the impact of of e-cigarettes.
1. Tobacco use causes over 10 million deaths annually worldwide and is projected to cause over 10 million deaths by 2030 according to WHO estimates. Tobacco use is responsible for various cancers as well as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
2. The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act of 2003 in India includes provisions that ban smoking in public places, prohibit tobacco advertisements and sale to minors, and mandate health warnings on tobacco packaging. These types of tobacco control policies have been shown to effectively reduce tobacco consumption and smoking rates.
3. Increasing taxes and prices on tobacco products is an important demand-reduction strategy as it can lead to over a 40 million reduction in smokers and over 10 million fewer tobacco-related deaths globally according to
World No Tobacco Day is observed annually on May 31st to draw attention to the health hazards of tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure. It is an initiative of the World Health Organization aimed at encouraging 24 hours of tobacco abstinence worldwide. The day highlights the over 6 million annual deaths caused by tobacco, including 600,000 from non-smokers breathing secondhand smoke. The WHO oversees the annual theme and campaign materials to promote a unified message against tobacco use. The 2016 theme focuses on plain packaging of tobacco products. Events held around the world encourage communities to celebrate in their own way through educational and activist activities.
Tobacco control in china progress barriers and challengesZhuo Chen
This document summarizes a presentation on tobacco control in China. It provides background on smoking prevalence, economic costs, and China's tobacco industry. It discusses some steps China has taken since ratifying the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, including tax increases, warning labels, and smoke-free policies. However, it notes China faces significant political, structural, economic, and social barriers. Recommendations include a top-down approach to convince leaders, a bottom-up grassroots movement, and structural changes like separating government from the tobacco industry.
Slides on the current situation with global cigarette consumption and trends, and how new nicotine products could change things.
See blog at: http://www.clivebates.com/?p=2782 for more commentary.
What is wrong (and right) about the Tobacco Products Directive approach to E-...Clive Bates
These are the visual aids for my talk on the truly dreadful European Union Tobacco Products Directive as it applies to e-cigarettes, and why Totally Wicked has a legal case against it.
Health , Tobacco: INDIA vs WORLD , Tobacco Health Warnings , Thousands shall continue to die every day while politicians sit on their hands, Mr Pranab Mukherjee –
NO NEW /INCREASED TAX on Tobacco Products is proposed , Tobacco Production In India this year Has increased by a Whopping 50 %instead of Reducing in accordance to Signed International Treaties
The document outlines the need for tobacco control for health, environmental, and economic reasons. It discusses how the tobacco industry has lied about the health effects of smoking, targeted youth, and denied the addictiveness of tobacco for decades. The tobacco industry has also tried to influence governments and the WHO in order to undermine tobacco control efforts and protect profits. In conclusion, tobacco control is necessary because tobacco harms both users and non-users, damages the environment, and hurts individuals and national economies.
Smoking was identified as a major addictive behavior among students at Tula State University in Russia. According to surveys, 75% of Russian citizens associate a healthy lifestyle with smoking cessation. The number of smokers in Russia has increased over the last 20 years, especially among younger people aged 15-19. Among college students, 75% of males and 64% of females smoke. The report identifies predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors for smoking among TSU students and recommends addressing these through seminars, presentations, and activities to decrease smoking rates by 30% by June 2014.
This document discusses efforts to develop safer cigarettes through modifying tobacco and reducing tar and toxic compounds. In the 20th century, tobacco companies experimented with adding filters and other additives to cigarettes in attempts to make them less hazardous. One promising attempt involved adding palladium to tobacco, but this "Epic" brand was withheld from the market due to pressure from tobacco control groups and other companies. Later attempts in the 1970s by government and industry to develop "tobacco substitutes" and ultra-low tar cigarettes also failed commercially. Opponents argued safer cigarettes could deter quitting and mask the true risks of smoking. Overall, fully neutralizing the harms of smoking has proved very difficult due to the many toxic compounds produced from
This presentation was developed for our CLeaR (local government tobacco control standards) assessment in July 2014. It sets out our vision for tobacco control in Hertfordshire, summarises our strategies and current position and identifies our future work including commitment to harm reduction, getting positive gains from e-cigarettes and driving tobacco related harm down
This document provides smoking prevalence and tobacco control data for England from multiple surveys. Some key points include:
- Smoking prevalence among adults in England was 14.4% in 2018, with higher rates among routine/manual workers and those with mental health conditions or disabilities.
- Smoking during pregnancy in 2018/19 was 10.8% nationally, with rates varying significantly between local authorities.
- Smoking prevalence among 15 year-olds was estimated at 5.3% regularly and 6.1% occasionally in 2018 based on national surveys.
- Smoking attributable mortality in England was 250 per 100,000 population from 2016-2018, with over 1,300 years of life lost per 100,000 due to
This document discusses harm reduction strategies in tobacco control. It notes that while some smokers can quit abruptly, others are unable to and need alternative support to reduce harm from tobacco use. This could involve using safer nicotine sources while reducing tobacco consumption. The document reviews why harm reduction and tobacco control are relevant now, given newer less harmful nicotine delivery methods. It acknowledges the controversy but argues regulation should be proportionate to risk and avoid unintended consequences. A group work activity asks about the potential role and form of harm reduction in tobacco control, as well as alternative strategies.
Tobacco Harm Reduction by Somchai Bovornkitti* in Crimson Publishers: Telemedicine and e-Health open access journals
Cigarette smoke contain approximately 250 different chemicals known to be harmful to human health. Thousands of harmful chemical substances produce by the combustion of tobacco. The health impacts such as cancer and chronic lung disease are not only associated with smokers but also people who are exposed to secondhand smoke. Tobacco Harm Reduction is a concept to minimize the impacts of tobacco on the individual and on society at large. A key component of this strategy is using alternative source of nicotine as a substitute to tobacco cigarettes. Electronic cigarette and heated tobacco are alternatives that might have potential in reduce harm from smokes. This paper elaborates on available research associated with electronic cigarette and heated tobacco with harm reduction and risk perspective.
https://crimsonpublishers.com/tteh/fulltext/TTEH.000522.php
For more Open access journals in Crimson Publishers
Please click on: https://crimsonpublishers.com/
For more Articles on Telemedicine and e-Health open access journals
please click on link: https://crimsonpublishers.com/tteh/index.php
Please follow the below link for our LinkedIn page
https://www.linkedin.com/company/crimsonpublishers
Prevalence and factors of smoking among the saudi youth in the northern borde...prjpublications
This document summarizes a study on smoking prevalence and factors among Saudi youth in the Northern Border Region of Saudi Arabia. It provides background on tobacco control programs and policies in Saudi Arabia. The study aimed to determine smoking prevalence among different youth groups in the region, assess factors influencing smoking uptake, and evaluate the effectiveness of tobacco control interventions. A cross-sectional study surveyed over 1000 secondary school students, university students, and café visitors. Results showed smoking prevalence ranged from 9.8-70.3% depending on the group. The most common reasons for smoking initiation varied but included social influences. Over 40% of smokers felt tobacco control programs were effective, though more interventions are still needed to reduce youth smoking in the region.
This document provides an overview of tobacco use in Indonesia based on the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) conducted in 2011. Some key points:
- Indonesia has high rates of tobacco use, ranked 3rd in the world for cigarette consumption. About 35% of those aged 15 and older smoke tobacco.
- Kreteks, clove-flavored cigarettes, dominate the Indonesian market and deliver more nicotine and toxins than regular cigarettes.
- Tobacco places a large economic burden on Indonesia, costing over $1.8 billion in 2010 for healthcare related to smoking-caused diseases.
- While Indonesia has some tobacco control policies, it has not signed the global tobacco control treaty
Raising the minimum legal age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21 will significantly reduce tobacco use among youth and young adults. Studies show that nearly all adult smokers begin smoking by age 18, so increasing the minimum age makes it harder for teenagers to access cigarettes. Data from communities that have raised the minimum age to 21 show significant decreases in smoking among high schoolers. The document outlines various studies and estimates from health organizations that predict raising the age will improve public health outcomes like fewer premature deaths and lower rates of infant mortality over time.
Dr. Terry F. Pechacek, professor of health management and policy at the School of Public Health at Georgia State University, discusses strategies for tobacco control, including the impact of of e-cigarettes.
1. Tobacco use causes over 10 million deaths annually worldwide and is projected to cause over 10 million deaths by 2030 according to WHO estimates. Tobacco use is responsible for various cancers as well as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
2. The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act of 2003 in India includes provisions that ban smoking in public places, prohibit tobacco advertisements and sale to minors, and mandate health warnings on tobacco packaging. These types of tobacco control policies have been shown to effectively reduce tobacco consumption and smoking rates.
3. Increasing taxes and prices on tobacco products is an important demand-reduction strategy as it can lead to over a 40 million reduction in smokers and over 10 million fewer tobacco-related deaths globally according to
World No Tobacco Day is observed annually on May 31st to draw attention to the health hazards of tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure. It is an initiative of the World Health Organization aimed at encouraging 24 hours of tobacco abstinence worldwide. The day highlights the over 6 million annual deaths caused by tobacco, including 600,000 from non-smokers breathing secondhand smoke. The WHO oversees the annual theme and campaign materials to promote a unified message against tobacco use. The 2016 theme focuses on plain packaging of tobacco products. Events held around the world encourage communities to celebrate in their own way through educational and activist activities.
Tobacco control in china progress barriers and challengesZhuo Chen
This document summarizes a presentation on tobacco control in China. It provides background on smoking prevalence, economic costs, and China's tobacco industry. It discusses some steps China has taken since ratifying the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, including tax increases, warning labels, and smoke-free policies. However, it notes China faces significant political, structural, economic, and social barriers. Recommendations include a top-down approach to convince leaders, a bottom-up grassroots movement, and structural changes like separating government from the tobacco industry.
Slides on the current situation with global cigarette consumption and trends, and how new nicotine products could change things.
See blog at: http://www.clivebates.com/?p=2782 for more commentary.
What is wrong (and right) about the Tobacco Products Directive approach to E-...Clive Bates
These are the visual aids for my talk on the truly dreadful European Union Tobacco Products Directive as it applies to e-cigarettes, and why Totally Wicked has a legal case against it.
Health , Tobacco: INDIA vs WORLD , Tobacco Health Warnings , Thousands shall continue to die every day while politicians sit on their hands, Mr Pranab Mukherjee –
NO NEW /INCREASED TAX on Tobacco Products is proposed , Tobacco Production In India this year Has increased by a Whopping 50 %instead of Reducing in accordance to Signed International Treaties
The document outlines the need for tobacco control for health, environmental, and economic reasons. It discusses how the tobacco industry has lied about the health effects of smoking, targeted youth, and denied the addictiveness of tobacco for decades. The tobacco industry has also tried to influence governments and the WHO in order to undermine tobacco control efforts and protect profits. In conclusion, tobacco control is necessary because tobacco harms both users and non-users, damages the environment, and hurts individuals and national economies.
The document discusses the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in tobacco control. It notes that tobacco kills over 4 million people per year worldwide and discusses factors that influence tobacco use. It emphasizes that NGOs have an important role to play in tobacco control efforts through advocacy, education, and policy work to reduce tobacco use and its health impacts.
Overview of HR monitoring, fact finding and documentationNone
Monitoring involves close observation of situations to determine further actions needed and usually involves investigating and documenting many events over time. Fact-finding identifies violations in events by establishing relevant facts, while documentation systematically records investigation results. Monitoring assesses situations against standards to produce reports guiding further actions. It can evaluate universal standards, domestic laws, and domestic application to identify gaps. Methodologies include indicators measuring progress and investigating/documenting specific violation acts. Fact-finding and documentation collect victim, perpetrator, and intervention information through tools like interviews and forms.
Tobacco use is a major public health problem that kills over 5 million people worldwide each year. In Sudan, smoking prevalence among males is around 24% compared to only 2% among females. There are effective tobacco control strategies available through the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) including tax increases, advertising bans, smoke-free laws, health warnings on packages, and cessation support. Quitting tobacco has significant health, economic, and social benefits for individuals and their families.
Gebrewold_Economics of Tobacco Control_ Final PaperBineyam Gebrewold
1) Raising tobacco taxes in Ethiopia could help reduce smoking rates, especially among youth, by making cigarettes less affordable. Currently, Ethiopia has relatively low tobacco taxes.
2) While overall smoking rates in Ethiopia are low compared to other developing nations, certain regions like Gambella have much higher smoking prevalence. Raising tobacco prices through taxes could discourage smoking across the country.
3) Studies show that a 10% increase in cigarette prices due to taxes typically leads to at least a 5% reduction in tobacco consumption. Increasing Ethiopia's tobacco taxes could thus lower health risks while also generating more tax revenue.
This study examined the association between tobacco control policies and smoking prevalence, denormalization of smoking, and public support for tobacco control across European Union countries. The researchers found that countries with higher scores on the Tobacco Control Scale (measuring implementation of tobacco policies) had more smokers who reported quitting due to concerns about passive smoking harming others. This concern about passive smoking was also strongly correlated with greater public support for tobacco control policies. The results suggest that addressing concerns about passive smoking is important for advancing tobacco control measures and denormalizing tobacco use in Europe.
Reducing Lung Cancer and Other Tobacco-Related Cancers in Europe:
Smoking Cessation Is the Key
LUKE CLANCY
TobaccoFree Research Institute, Dublin, Ireland
Disclosures of potential conflicts of interest may be found at the end of this article.
Review Paper - Addiction of Cigarette Smoking.pdfRAlphabet18
This review paper investigates cigarette smoking addiction, covering its physical and mental mechanisms, societal influences on smoking habits, health risks, quitting difficulties, and cessation interventions.
The project "Informed and Healthy" aims to enhance the population's employability and maintain a healthy workforce through increasing awareness of behavioral risk factors like excessive salt intake, drug abuse among youth, smoking, and trauma. The project will produce manuals on prevention practices and conduct national health campaigns targeting these risks. Research shows these factors contribute significantly to diseases like cardiovascular issues that are a major cause of mortality in Bulgaria. Reducing risks like salt intake and smoking could improve health outcomes and reduce costs.
This document provides an overview of tobacco use in Indonesia based on the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) conducted in 2011. Some key points:
- Indonesia has high rates of tobacco use, ranked 3rd in the world for cigarette consumption. About 35% of those aged 15 and older smoke tobacco.
- Kreteks, clove-flavored cigarettes, dominate the Indonesian market and deliver more nicotine and toxins than regular cigarettes.
- Tobacco places a large economic burden on Indonesia, costing over $1.8 billion in 2010 for healthcare related to smoking-caused diseases.
- While Indonesia has some tobacco control policies, it has not signed the global tobacco control treaty
Patch 3 smoking prevalence & attributable burdenNimraBhatti6
The document analyzes smoking prevalence and disease burden from 1990-2015 based on a study. It finds that while smoking rates have decreased significantly globally, one in four men and one in twenty women still smoke daily. The top three causes of smoking-attributable diseases are cardiovascular, cancer, and chronic respiratory globally. It recommends stronger implementation of tobacco control policies, improved monitoring of smoking behaviors, and supplementing surveys with biomarkers to better track smoking trends.
Respect Vapers Ireland - webinar on tobacco harm reductionClive Bates
This document summarizes six key things to know about tobacco harm reduction:
1. Smoking prevalence remains high despite efforts. New reduced risk nicotine products like e-cigarettes can help obsolete cigarettes.
2. Expert reviews find e-cigarettes are much less harmful than smoking and can help smokers quit. However, risk perceptions are often exaggerated.
3. The public health benefit comes from addicted smokers switching to less harmful options, not from promoting e-cigarette use alone.
4. Policies should balance appropriate youth protections with supporting harm reduction for adults. Overly restrictive policies can backfire by perpetuating smoking.
DOI: 10.21276/ijlssr.2016.2.4.8
ABSTRACT- In India most of the peoples have the bad habit of smoking & it’s harmful effects on the body, it is the
major cause of the cancer of mouth, lungs, esophagus & stomach, pancreas and bladder. The smoking can also affect the
health to the next person who comes in a contact with the smoker that is also called as a passive smoking (second hand
smoke). Most of the Indian peoples have low knowledge about the harmful effects of smoking. The present investigation
study that the effects of smoking scores to 43.33%, 23.33%, 6.67% and 26.67% in Nashik District. The socio
demographic variables Age, Sex, Religion, Educational status, Occupation found to be significantly influencing
knowledge of the peoples. The finding of the study showed that majority of the adults were between 18-23 yrs = 43.33%,
an educational status pre university course and lived in joint families. Key-words- Smoking, Cancer, Effects of smoking, Street play
Prevalence and factors of smoking among the saudi youth in the northern borde...prj_publication
This document summarizes a study on smoking prevalence and factors among Saudi youth in the Northern Border Region of Saudi Arabia. It provides background on tobacco control programs and policies in Saudi Arabia. The study aimed to determine smoking prevalence among different youth groups in the region, assess factors influencing smoking uptake, and evaluate the effectiveness of tobacco control interventions. A cross-sectional study surveyed over 1000 secondary school students, university students, and café visitors. Results showed smoking prevalence ranged from 9.8-70.3% depending on the group. The most common reasons for smoking initiation varied but included social influences. Over 40% of smokers felt tobacco control programs were effective, though more interventions are still needed to reduce youth smoking in the region.
11.ethical dilemma of tobacco retailers in selling cigarette to minorsAlexander Decker
This document summarizes a study on the ethical dilemma of tobacco retailers in selling cigarettes to minors in Bangladesh. The study found that while 80% of retailers feel it is unethical to sell to minors, many feel economically constrained to do so due to minors representing 37% of the market. The majority of retailers are young, poorly educated males operating small shops. The study concludes that in addition to laws and regulations, efforts are needed in mass awareness, education, and restricting youth access to tobacco products to effectively reduce smoking rates among minors.
Ethical dilemma of tobacco retailers in selling cigarette to minorsAlexander Decker
This document summarizes a study on the ethical dilemma of tobacco retailers in selling cigarettes to minors in Bangladesh. The study found that while around 80% of retailers find it unethical to sell to minors, economic constraints influence their decisions. Minors represent 37% of the tobacco market, which is growing at 16% annually. Most retailers are young, poorly educated males operating small shops. Over 60% of minor smokers are adolescents influenced to smoke by peers and passive smoking at home. While laws aim to reduce smoking, various social and economic factors contribute to the continued growth of tobacco use in Bangladesh.
This document discusses tobacco control and prevention policies recommended by the American College of Physicians. It provides background on the health and economic impacts of tobacco use. Key points include:
- Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the US. Comprehensive tobacco control programs are needed to reduce smoking rates.
- The FDA was given authority in 2009 to regulate tobacco, but regulation alone is not enough. States must fund tobacco control efforts and increase tobacco taxes.
- Smokeless tobacco and cigars also harm health. Secondhand smoke exposure causes illness and death in nonsmokers.
The document summarizes the WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2008. It outlines that tobacco use kills over 5 million people per year and could kill over 1 billion people this century if urgent action is not taken. It presents MPOWER, a package of 6 policies recommended by the WHO to help countries implement the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control: Monitor tobacco use; Protect from secondhand smoke; Offer help to quit; Warn about dangers; Enforce advertising bans; and Raise taxes. However, implementation of these policies remains limited, with only 5% of the global population currently protected by comprehensive smoke-free laws and advertising bans. Increased efforts are needed to curb the tobacco epidemic.
Running Head LITERATURE REVIEW2LITERATURE REVIEW 2.docxwlynn1
This document discusses the effects of tobacco use. It notes that tobacco consumption peaks between ages 20-40 for both males and females, though males consume more. Smoking rates are higher for some minority groups than the national average. Tobacco use leads to diseases like cancer, heart disease, and addiction. While educating people on the harms of tobacco and making it less affordable can reduce use, tobacco has caused many deaths regardless of socioeconomic background. Lung cancer is a major cause of cancer deaths and is linked to tobacco consumption. Tobacco use also increases risks of other cancers and can damage blood vessels.
This document provides an overview and summary of findings from the Global Tobacco Surveillance System (GTSS). The GTSS monitors tobacco use trends globally through surveys like the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), Global School Personnel Survey (GSPS), Global Health Professions Student Survey (GHPSS), and Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS). It finds high rates of tobacco use among youth and wide regional variations. For example, the GYTS finds cigarette smoking among boys ranges from 14% in Africa to 21% in the Western Pacific region. The atlas aims to illustrate GTSS findings to inform tobacco control policies and interventions.
Curbing TobaCCo use in Poland Only two major causes ofOllieShoresna
Curbing TobaCCo use in Poland �
O
nly two major causes of death are growing
worldwide: AIDS and tobacco. While the
course of the AIDS epidemic is uncertain, one
can be more sure that current smoking pat-
terns will kill about 1 billion people this century, 10 times
more than the deaths from tobacco in the 20th century.1
Much of this burden will fall on poor countries and the
poorest people living there. While smoking rates have fall-
en in rich countries over the past two decades, smoking is
on the rise in developing countries.2 Currently, more than
three quarters of the world’s 1.2 billion smokers live in
low- and middle-income countries, and smoking-related
deaths are estimated to double in number by 2030.
As Poland’s story shows, there is reason to hope that
concerted efforts to tackle the growing smoking prob-
lem in low- and middle-income countries can succeed.
In many instances, this will likely take a very high level
of political commitment—enough to counter the sig-
nificant economic influence of the tobacco industry—as
well as state-of-the-art communication strategies to
induce major shifts in attitudes toward smoking.
Lighting Up: Dangers of Tobacco
Smoking causes an astonishingly long list of diseases,
leading to premature death in half of all smokers. To-
bacco is implicated in numerous cancers including blad-
der, kidney, larynx, mouth, pancreas, and stomach. Lung
Case 14
Curbing Tobacco Use in Poland
Geographic area: Poland
Health condition: in the �980s, Poland had the highest rate of smoking in the world. nearly three quarters
of Polish men aged 20 to 60 smoked every day. in �990, the probability that a �5-year-old boy born in Po-
land would reach his 60th birthday was lower than in most countries, and middle-aged Polish men had one
of the highest rates of lung cancer in the world.
Global importance of the health condition today: Tobacco is the second deadliest threat to adult health
in the world and causes � in every �0 adult deaths. it is estimated that 500 million people alive today
will die prematurely because of tobacco consumption. More than three quarters of the world’s �.2 billion
smokers live in low- and middle-income countries, where smoking is on the rise. by 2030, it is estimated
that smoking-related deaths will have doubled, accounting for the deaths of 6 in �0 people.
Intervention or program: in �995, the Polish parliament passed groundbreaking tobacco-control legisla-
tion, which included the requirement of the largest health warnings on cigarette packs in the world, a ban
on smoking in health centers and enclosed workspaces, a ban on electronic media advertising, and a ban
on tobacco sales to minors. Health education campaigns and the “great Polish smoke-out” have also
raised awareness about the dangers of smoking and have encouraged Poles to quit.
Impact: Cigarette consumption dropped �0 percent between �990 and �998, and the number of smokers
declined from �4 mil ...
European Health Parliament - Prevention of chronic diseases paperBeatriz
This document discusses the need for a new and strengthened EU Alcohol Strategy to help prevent chronic diseases. It notes that alcohol is a major contributor to disease and death in Europe. While some progress has been made through existing strategies and policies, Europe still has the highest per capita alcohol consumption in the world. The document calls for the EU to take a more proactive role in supporting member state legislation and regulation on alcohol. It proposes that the new EU Alcohol Strategy address key areas like pricing policies, marketing restrictions, and health warnings on alcohol products to help reduce alcohol-related harm at both the European and national levels.
This document discusses barriers and facilitators to e-cigarettes reducing smoking rates in the UK, particularly among deprived groups. It finds that while e-cigarettes could help reduce smoking if promoted properly, concerns over their safety and lack of research on their use among deprived populations currently prevent this. It calls for better communication of e-cigarettes' relative safety compared to smoking, as well as more standardized research on e-cigarette usage patterns among different socioeconomic groups in the UK. This would help establish best practices for including e-cigarettes in smoking cessation programs and policies.
How to Manage Reception Report in Odoo 17Celine George
A business may deal with both sales and purchases occasionally. They buy things from vendors and then sell them to their customers. Such dealings can be confusing at times. Because multiple clients may inquire about the same product at the same time, after purchasing those products, customers must be assigned to them. Odoo has a tool called Reception Report that can be used to complete this assignment. By enabling this, a reception report comes automatically after confirming a receipt, from which we can assign products to orders.
How to Download & Install Module From the Odoo App Store in Odoo 17Celine George
Custom modules offer the flexibility to extend Odoo's capabilities, address unique requirements, and optimize workflows to align seamlessly with your organization's processes. By leveraging custom modules, businesses can unlock greater efficiency, productivity, and innovation, empowering them to stay competitive in today's dynamic market landscape. In this tutorial, we'll guide you step by step on how to easily download and install modules from the Odoo App Store.
THE SACRIFICE HOW PRO-PALESTINE PROTESTS STUDENTS ARE SACRIFICING TO CHANGE T...indexPub
The recent surge in pro-Palestine student activism has prompted significant responses from universities, ranging from negotiations and divestment commitments to increased transparency about investments in companies supporting the war on Gaza. This activism has led to the cessation of student encampments but also highlighted the substantial sacrifices made by students, including academic disruptions and personal risks. The primary drivers of these protests are poor university administration, lack of transparency, and inadequate communication between officials and students. This study examines the profound emotional, psychological, and professional impacts on students engaged in pro-Palestine protests, focusing on Generation Z's (Gen-Z) activism dynamics. This paper explores the significant sacrifices made by these students and even the professors supporting the pro-Palestine movement, with a focus on recent global movements. Through an in-depth analysis of printed and electronic media, the study examines the impacts of these sacrifices on the academic and personal lives of those involved. The paper highlights examples from various universities, demonstrating student activism's long-term and short-term effects, including disciplinary actions, social backlash, and career implications. The researchers also explore the broader implications of student sacrifices. The findings reveal that these sacrifices are driven by a profound commitment to justice and human rights, and are influenced by the increasing availability of information, peer interactions, and personal convictions. The study also discusses the broader implications of this activism, comparing it to historical precedents and assessing its potential to influence policy and public opinion. The emotional and psychological toll on student activists is significant, but their sense of purpose and community support mitigates some of these challenges. However, the researchers call for acknowledging the broader Impact of these sacrifices on the future global movement of FreePalestine.
CapTechTalks Webinar Slides June 2024 Donovan Wright.pptxCapitolTechU
Slides from a Capitol Technology University webinar held June 20, 2024. The webinar featured Dr. Donovan Wright, presenting on the Department of Defense Digital Transformation.
Brand Guideline of Bashundhara A4 Paper - 2024khabri85
It outlines the basic identity elements such as symbol, logotype, colors, and typefaces. It provides examples of applying the identity to materials like letterhead, business cards, reports, folders, and websites.
Creative Restart 2024: Mike Martin - Finding a way around “no”Taste
Ideas that are good for business and good for the world that we live in, are what I’m passionate about.
Some ideas take a year to make, some take 8 years. I want to share two projects that best illustrate this and why it is never good to stop at “no”.
Creative Restart 2024: Mike Martin - Finding a way around “no”
Tobacco sofia 2011
1. Title:
COMPARATIVE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF TOBACCO SMOKING
AMONG THE POPULATION OF SOFIA CITY
Authors:
Jasmine B. Pavlova – Faculty of Public Health, Medical University - Sofia, jpavlova@abv.bg
Dobriana A. Sidjimova – Faculty of Public Health, Medical University - Sofia, dobrianka@mail.bg
Lora A. Afanasieva - Medical University - Sofia, lora_the_blade@yahoo.com
Momchil A. Sidjimov – Ministry of Health, Bulgaria, M.SIDJIMOV@ncphp.government.bg
2. Abstract:
Background: Smoking is a behavioural factor with significant adverse health consequences.
Bulgaria occupies one of the leading places in the world by tobacco consumption per capita. As to
diseases caused by smoking, the list of WHO is very long, treatment is costly and ends with
disability or death. Passive smoking is particularly important for children and adolescents. This is
an open door to the next level of dependency - drugs. Methods: Study of five age groups (100
persons each) in Sofia to establish the extent of smoking. Used methods: Questionnaire method;
Methods of economic analysis; Statistical methods for determining the relationships and
dependencies among the parameters studied. Results: Among 3-6 years old children, we found:
smoking parents–58%; high rate of families with all adult members smoking–23%; 61% of children
do not estimate smoking as dangerous. The volunteers in the second group are teenagers 13-19
years, 44% of them are smoking. Tobacco appears strongly linked to all other lines say risk, a
concept that includes drinks, violent or criminal and risky sexual behaviors. The analysis of active
age groups shows: men are more addicted to smoking in the younger age group and women - in the
age category 40-65; cigarettes expenditure ie rather high. Conclusions: The current economic crisis
makes it even more imperative that states, in our case Bulgaria, ensure funding for effective tobacco
control programmes. Tobacco control requires political commitment at all governmental levels, of
municipal authorities, public health institutions, families and individuals.
Keywords: tobacco smoking, social and economic analysis, expenditure, behavioural factors.
3. Introduction
Bulgaria is on first place in Europe and second in the world, after Cuba, of smokers per
capita. It is estimated that over three million Bulgarians are active smokers. Negative trend is the
fact, that since 1990 there is an increasing proportion of smoking women (from 17% in 1986,
women who smoke have reached 30% in 2001). Age of smokers also decreases progressively, but
tobacco smoking remains a widespread habit among people aged 25-45 years, of which 59 percent
are smokers. [1, 2, 3]
Scientific data confirm that globally in 1990 smoking was the main cause of death of three
million people, and in 1998 – up to 4,023,000, and projected data for 2020 are that smoking will
take 8 400,000 human lives. [4, 5]
As a result of active tobacco smoking, the smokers are exposed to the following risk factors
- a list in excess of 25 diseases, reduced speed of memory and memory capacity. Smoking kills
more people than alcohol, traffic accidents and AIDS combined. [4, 6] In Bulgaria, smoking causes
the deaths of at least 12,000 people annually. [1, 7]
Furthermore, besides the significant health problems that are caused by smoking, as a result
from it there is an economic loss, such as costs of sick leave, health insurances, absence from work
and output. Smoking is a major expense for the family budget - money spent on cigarettes could be
utilized for other needs. [8, 9, 10]
The need to develop active policies to control smoking derives from a number of reasons,
most important of which are:
the aggressive policy of advertising, promotion and sponsorship from companies producing
tobacco products;
the difficulties in overcoming this social disaster;
The inadequate policies of many countries, producing tobacco and tobacco products [11,
12].
4. It should be noted the fact, that mass campaigns and initiatives that promote healthy
lifestyles and restrictive measures against aggressive tobacco nowadays mark a significant success,
and this is reflected in the attempts of long-term smokers to quit this harmful to themselves and
others habit. Studies of the European Commission show, that every third smoker in Europe has
attempted in the recent years to stop smoking. [13]
Methods
This study aims, based on a questionnaire survey of five age groups (each of 100 persons) of
the population of Sofia, to identify and analyze the extent of smoking, and suggest approaches to
prevention.
To achieve this target the following tasks have to be carried out: Preparation of a
questionnaire adapted to each target group; fieldwork; data processing and analysis.
Time frame of the study - August 2010 - June 2011.
The project used the following economic and statistical methods:
- Inquiry method (questionnaires are tailored to the specific age groups surveyed: children 3-6
years (6 questions), growing up teenagers 13-19 years (10 questions), adults - 2 groups: 20-
40 and 40-65 years, elderly 65 + years (12 questions);
- Methods of economic analysis;
- Statistical methods to determine the relationships and dependencies among the studied
parameters.
Results and discussion
Smoking is a behavioral factor with significant adverse health consequences. The
accumulated scientific evidence suggests that smoking and passive smoking are direct or indirect
factor for morbidity and mortality in more than 25 types of diseases. Smoking reduces life
5. expectancy, and only 54% of heavy smokers reach the age of 65, against 78% of nonsmokers
exposed to tobacco smoke. [4, 14]
It is necessary to analyze why people become addicted to cigarettes, in order to be found a
solution to the problem and accordingly to facilitate the process of quitting cigarettes. The majority
(33%) of smokers indicate stress as the main reason for starting to smoke. Youth (34%) determine
friends and their environment as a factor that is influencing them to smoke. [15, 16]
Bulgaria occupies one of the leading places in the world in tobacco consumption per capita.
Average consumption of cigarettes is up to 3200-3300 pieces per person per year. (2009) Assuming
an average price of 2 Euro per pack of cigarettes, it makes about 2.5 billion Euro cost for the
Bulgarian population for cigarettes per year. According to WHO, world scale is observed the
opposite trend in the number of smokers by region. In Western Europe and the U.S., their number
decreases, while in Eastern Europe, Asia, South America and Africa increases. Established is an
inverse relationship between level of economic development and consumption of cigarettes.
Alarming are the data that about 30% of those aged 15-18 are smoking in Europe and for Bulgaria
this percentage is 38% (2005). Regarding the distribution by sex, noteworthy is that at average, in
Europe the boys smoke more than the girls, while in Bulgaria it is the opposite. Of course, we must
stipulate that the statistical data, although obtained in anonymous surveys may differ from reality
due to the possibility that some respondents may not have provided correct answers. When
comparing the number of smokers at age aspect in Bulgaria, noticed is a larger share of smokers
among men (51.7%) than boys (31.3%), while with women (29.8%) the proportion of smokers is
lower than with the girls (42.7%) [2, 17].
In Bulgaria, according to the official statistics are allocated about 4% of the gross domestic
product on healthcare. The population spends on cigarettes about 4.5% of GDP (2009). Next to
these expenses have to be added the costs of treating illnesses directly related to smoking; costs and
damages caused by fire due to smoking [1, 9, 17].
6. Tobacco production is traditional for the Balkans. Bulgaria is the biggest producer of this
crop in Southeast Europe. Tobacco is planted at about 53,000 hectares mainly in the region of
Kardjali, less along the Struma River in northeastern Bulgaria [1, 10]. Production of tobacco and
cigarettes is a profitable business. The interested in those profits outline, that tobacco creates
livelihood for almost the entire population of those regions. On the other hand, thus is developed the
production of the tobacco culture, proven harmful to human health, and which the whole
community of economically developed countries restricts by law, persuasion, and all possible
mesures. Experience shows that people engaged in tobacco production, live poor and is with low
educational level. Tobacco growing is labour intensive and hazardous. It aims to engage the whole
families (from elderly to children). Often children are absent from school or leave it completely, in
order to work. Therefore, they remain with the low level of education. This turns on a vicious circle,
from which exit is almost impossible. On lands, that for decades have been sown with tobacco
should be grown other crops (eg herbs, berries) according to soil and climatic conditions. This
would ensure the livelihood of the population and meet the requirements of the European Strategy
for Tobacco Control. [18]
We would like to emphasize that the economic impacts of smoking on children can be
grouped, namely: direct economic loss of use of cigarettes, economic costs of treating illnesses
directly related to active and passive smoking and the economic consequences of engaging children
in tobacco production. Taking in account the decreased number of children in Bulgaria, the growing
number of smoking children and adolescents, the reduced age of starting smoking, then the parents,
the community and the responsible institutions urgently need to identify effective measures to
address the tobacco epidemic in children. We believe that effective measures could be increased
prices of cigarettes, banning of smoking in public places, provision of sport facilities and
involvement of young people in active occupations where smoking is contraindicated. [19]
Passive smoking is the inhalation of the combination of sidestream smoke of smoldering
cigarette and the exhaled smoke from a cigarette smoker. The smaller the space and more smokers
7. into it, the more dangerous is the environment of passive smoking - 89% of it is a result of side
stream smoke and 11% - a result of smoke exhaled by the smokers. [2, 20]
The problem with passive smoking is particularly important with adolescents. Children
raised in a family of smokers, in many cases follow the bad example of their parents. Also, children
exposed to passive smoking, are with increased incidence of upper and lower respiratory tract
infections. Some studies show the direct relationship between passive smoking and asthma in
childhood. The phrase "where parents smoke, children cough" confirms the findings of numerous
epidemiological studies. [2, 21]
The object of the study are 100 children aged 3-6 years who attend kindergarten in Sofia -
46 boys and 54 girls. Basis for selection of the respondents - children in this age group, served two
main arguments: 1) significant medical and social risk to those children from passive smoking and
2) the ability to increase their awareness of the dangers of cigarette smoke through educational
campaigns conducted from childcare educators. Our goal was to determine the attitude of children
towards smoking and their level of awareness about the risks of this habit.
From the questionnaired children was found, that in 58 cases in the family is smoked, and in
42 – it is not. According to the results obtained, women are greater victims of the smoking habit. In
the smoking families, the mothers are more active smokers (38 mothers vs 34 fathers). Extremely
worrying to note is that in the 23% of the surveyed families, where is smoked, smoke all the
relatives (mother, father, grandparents). In terms of places where is smoked in the presence of the
child, respondents indicate, that most parents smoke at home but also in the car. This trend is
particularly alarming, because the indoor damage from passive smoking is the most significant.
Among children in families who smoke, the majority (61%) determined that tobacco smoke does
not disturb them. To a large extent the fact that the children are not feeling irritated from the smoke,
explaines also the high percentage of those who have not asked their parents to quit smoking (26%).
8. The results of the survey show that 48% of respondents aged 3-6 years do not know what
dangers are connected to smoking. 34% of children recognize the harm to health from cigarette
smoke and 18% of children literally interpreted cigarette smoking as a cause of fires.
Early adolescence is the age when a large percentage of young people begin experimenting
with tobacco. Smoking is a serious problem in many new Member States of the European Union:
Bulgaria, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Czech Republic, Poland, Romania and Hungary are among the
12 countries with the biggest number of smokers among young people. These results are
particularly troubling, given that the very early onset of smoking is a major factor not only for
further consumption of tobacco, but also doing it more intensively. [15, 22, 23]
The proportion of young smokers is currently increasing in many countries and regions, and
we find significant differences in the distribution by sex:
- in Eastern Europe, smoke more boys than girls;
- gender differences are minimal in Central and Southern Europe;
- more girls than boys smoke in many countries in Western and Northern Europe;
- the greater is the probability that boys start smoking younger than girls. [22, 24, 25]
The first symptoms of dependence may occur several weeks after the accidental use of
tobacco among teenagers. There are indications that girls develop faster symptoms of nicotine
addiction than boys. [24, 25]
The reasons why a person starts or stops smoking are numerous: friends, parents, family.
Tobacco use often begins as a social activity, first with offered cigarettes from friends. Approval or
disapproval of the parents of tobacco use in general is crucial, as well as the influence of friends,
brothers and sisters. Young people who have smokers among friends and family members, are more
likely to start smoking in turn. [22, 26]
Smoking is also a symbolic act of rebellion, an attempt to convey the message that the
individual is already old enough and experienced. Children, attracted by the perception of adulthood
and the spirit of rebellion, usually come from communities with high rates of smoking among
9. parents, brothers and sisters, and attend schools where smoking is common. Children, prone to
smoking, have low self-esteem, low grades and experience lack of social care. [15, 16, 27, 28]
The easy access to tobacco advertising and to the weak efforts to control tobacco are the
factors that encourage young people to start smoking. The tobacco dependence disorder has been
recognized by the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) - WHO. Tobacco is an open
door to the next level of addiction - drugs. Children are particularly vulnerable age group. And in
this respect we follow the inseparable link between health, economic and social consequences. The
use and abuse of various drugs have a high cost for addicts, their families and the society: severe
somatic and mental diseases, whose treatment is expensive; in overdose – death; execution of theft,
murder to find the money for drugs etc. Efforts should be aimed at preventing drug abuse and to a
lesser extent, to treat the consequences. [27, 29]
In the 100 persons aged 13 - 19 years we applied two types of surveys: interviewers in work
active age and teenagers interviewers - each group of 50 teenagers interviewed. Volunteers in our
survey were aged between 13 and 19 years, mean age 15.86 years (boys - 16.04; girls - 15.67). No
significant statistical differences in gender distribution in smokers/nonsmokers has been
established. But the fact that only 44 of 100 state thay smoke, is alarming. Fig. 1 presents the
distribution of respondents by age, sex and smoking. In the 20-40 age category, the more active
smokers are men (54:46), while in the older group - 40-65 years, women are those, that more
practice the habit (53:47). There is an interesting trend related to smokers aged 40-65. While with
men, the increasing of age decreases the addiction to smoking, with women there is a peak in the
period 51-55, which, with the consequent increase of age, declines.
10. Figure 1
DISTRIBUTION BY GENDER, AGE GROUP AND SMOKING
(%)
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
13 - 19 20 - 40 40 - 65 65+
MALE SMOKERS 24 31 24 17
MALE NON-SMOKERS 28 23 23 29
FEMALE SMOKERS 20 24 23 15
FEMALE NON-SMOKERS 28 22 30 39
We studied the reasons for starting to smoke among the different age groups (Fig. 2). With
persons 13-19, 20-40 and 65 + years, major reason is the friendly environment, while with 40-65
years old - the example of the family. We found statistically significant differences in the causes
between groups 20-40 and 40-65 (t=7.18, p<0.001).
Figure 2
REASONS FOR SMOKING (%)
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
13 - 19 20 - 40 40 - 65 65+
FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT 72 78 33 72
FAMILY 14 9 62 4
BOTH 14 13 5 22
CURIOSITY 0 0 0 2
11. The number of smoked cigarettes varies widely, as illustrated at Fig. 3. With teenagers, the
smoked cigarettes daily ranges between 3 and 10, with no statistically significant differences by
gender. The majority of respondents smoke an average of 5 cigarettes a day. This makes 150
cigarettes per month. Without evaluating the damage to health, let make a simple account of the
costs for these young people: around 30 euros a month - for a student who has no personal income.
This means that parents provide cash to them to smoke. Or maybe there is another source of
funding? With smokers over 20 years of age, the results are profoundly disturbing: those who
smoked over 10 cigarettes a day are 57, 76 and 70% in the three age groups correspondingly.
Figure 3
NUMBER OF SMOKED CIGARETTES PER DAY (%)
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
13 - 19 20 - 40 40 - 65 65+
till 5 59 17 5 6
from 6 to 10 41 26 19 24
more than 10 0 57 76 70
Data analysis shows that most young smokers do not want to quit smoking - 26 of 44. These
results give us reason to believe, that the emphasis has to be put on prevention of smoking, because
giving up this disastrous habit is painful, difficult and costly.
Extremely interesting results we received in the distribution of smokers according to the age
of the interwier (adult and peer of the respondents). Established were statistically significant
differences in the distribution smoker/ nonsmoker. Young people, interviewed by the peer, may be
12. more sincere in their answers - 34 say they smoke. In the group of respondents from an adult
interviewer, only 10 are identified as smokers.
In both age categories - 20-40 and 40-65, the majority of respondents note as a leading
reason for their attempts to quit smoking, the concern for personal health damage. Not to be ignored
also the reason for saving money, which for the group of older is more important than for the
young. With the age group over 65 years, the main reason for giving up smoking is referred to
damage to health (49%).
Perhaps to a more active non-tobacco campaigns and the promotion of healthy lifestyles, is
due the significant number of those interviewed in work active age (45%), who tried to quit
smoking. Significant also is the share of respondents, who have successfully overcome their
addiction to smoking (14%). In persons over 65 years, 17% were former smokers. [30]
We studied the places where the participants in our survey smoke. Teenagers say they
smoke in the gardens near schools, restaurants. In connection to the establishment of the preferred
places for smoking is documented an adverse fact, characteristic for the both two working age
categories, that the respondents do not limit themselves and smoke everywhere. The logical
dependence is the stronger markedness of young smokers aged 20-40 years (64%), who smoke
without regard to the specific location, to 41% for older smokers. They lead a more dynamic life,
socially and professionally active and in this context use every opportunity to light a cigarette,
regardless of where they are. Respectively, the percentage of people who smoke more at home,
among the age category 40-65 years, was higher (25%), mainly because they spend their free time
at home. From the total number of 65 + years old, who said they are active smokers (38 people), 12
persons indicated that they do not restrict themselves to smoking at specific places and smoke
everywhere. 11 of the respondents prefer to smoke only at home, and 9 persons smoke only
outdoors.
13. Figure 4
FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT (%)
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
13 - 19 20 - 40 40 - 65 65+
SMOKERS 48 63 42 37
NON-SMOKERS 52 37 58 63
When asked who prevail among friends - smokers or nonsmokers, in the teenagers group
and the persons 20-40 years, the smokers are over the half of the groups, within the 40-65 and 65 +
groups is increased the nonsmoking environment (Fig. 4). There are significant differences in the
environment as smoking criterion in the aged 40 and over (t=2.82, p<0.01).
Conclusions
The earlier starts the smoking, the stronger is the nicotine dependence. Most young people
who smoke regularly continue to do so also as adults. Smoking damages a significant degree of the
physical fitness of young people.
Factors that predispose young people to smoking are complex, interrelated and vary among
individuals and groups. Long-term studies in many countries still identify some common factors
that contribute to smoking initiation. Among them are high levels of social acceptability of tobacco
products; aggressive supply and vulnerability to marketing; easy delivery and facilitated purchase of
14. these products; the example, set by parents and other adults; and the consumption of these products
with a friendly environment.
Smoking is closely linked to all other habits, known to be behaviourally risky, alcohol
consumption and drug abuse, violent or criminal behavior (escape, theft, extortion, fighting), risky
sexual behaviour.
The main factor that influences the decision to quit smoking in this group of respondents, is
the possible injury to health (49%). The propostion of those, who indicated other possible motives
is almost equal: health and finance, the influence of relatives and complex reasons.
High risk factor are the smoking parents of children (3-6 years) at home and in the car,
which adversely affects the health of the exposed to passive smoking. For both adult age groups is
typical the behavioural characteristics, that they smoke on any places. One third of the respondents
who are active smokers in the elderly group indicate, that they smoke everywhere. Another 30%
prefer to smoke only at home.
A significant proportion of the respondents from Sofia city support the introduction of a ban
on smoking at public places.
The average monthly cost of cigarettes among different age groups of respondents ranges
from 30 euros in adolescents up to 100-125 euros for those over 20 years of age.
Increasingly popular worldwide is the desire of modern man to a healthy lifestyle, but by
numerous historical, cultural and national mentality circumstances, smoking in Bulgaria still ranks
the country at the forefront in this nonprestigeous rating.
Within the frame of this research project are prepared presentations and brochures with
materials, revealing the bad consequences of smoking, which are distributed and presented to
kindergartens, schools, community centers, diagnostic-consultative centers for public awareness.
The idea of our team is to study the same age after a period of 1.5 - 2 years, possibly to report the
results after the preventive actions are taken.
15. Acknoledgements: This paper is part of a research project funded by the Council of
Medical Science of the Medical University – Sofia.
Conflicts of interests: None declared.
Endnotes
Smoking is widespread within the Bulgarian society. Strongly necessary are immediate,
adequate and proactive measures to control and reduce this harmful habit.
Prevention should begin in kindergarten and primary school.
The basic guidelines to fight smoking are: education programs, higher prices of cigarettes and
fines for smoking in public places, higher health insurance for smokers.
References
1. www.nsi.bg
2. Vasilevski N., Tulevski B., Kotarov G., Practical Guidance to limit tobacco smoking, NCPHP, Ministry
of Health, 2004, 14-17. (Василевски, Н., Б. Тулевски, Г. Котаров, Ръководство за
предотвратяване и ограничаване на тютюнопушенето. МЗ, НЦООЗ, София, 2004 г.)
3. www.aznepusha.bg
4. Who report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2009. http://www.who.int/tobacco/mpower/en/
5. http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/tgm/table.do?tab=table&init=1&language=en&pcode=tps00169
&plugin=1
6. The European Community Health Indicator 23, „Regular Smokers”
http://europa.eu.int/comm/health/ph_information/dissemination/echi/echi_en.htm
7. http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_determinants/life_style/Tobacco/smoke_free_en.htm
16. 8. Barnes,M., T.Smith, Tobacco Use as Response to Economic Insecurity: Evidence from the
National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. The B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis & Policy,2009,
V.9, Issue 1, Article 47
9. Bozicevic,I., A.Gilmore, S.Oreskovic. The Tobacco Epidemic in South-East Europe.
Consequences and Policy Responces. HNP, The World Bank. March2004
10. Delcheva,E., J.Pavlova et al. The South – East Europe Tobacco Control Project. Economic
Review. WHO, European Office, Kopenhagen, 2006. http://www.see-tobacco-control.org/
username bulgaria; password bulgaria123b.
11. National program to restrict tobacco smoking in Bulgaria 2002 – 2005. (Национална програма
за ограничаване на тютюнопушенето в България 2002 – 2005 г.)
12. National program to restrict tobacco smoking in Bulgaria 2007-2010. (Национална програма
за ограничаване на тютюнопушенето в България 2007-2010 г.)
13. Green book – towards Europe without smoke: Policies in the European Union, 2007 (Зелена
книга - към Европа без тютюнев дим: политически опции на ниво ЕС, Комисия на
европейските общности, 2007г.)
14. Tobacco control at a glance.
www1.worldbank.org/tobacco/pdf/AAG%20Tobacco%206-03.pdf
15. Anatchkova,M, Redding,C., Rossi, J. Development and validation of measures for decisional
balance and self-efficacy for Bulgarian adolescent smokers. Addictive Behaviors, 2006, 31,
155-61.
16. Anatchkova,M. et al. Factors Associated with Smoking Cessation and Risk of Smoking
Initiation in Bulgarian Youth / Californian Journal of Health Promotion 2006,V.4, Issue 2,1-12
17. The SEE tobacco control project: economic review, WHO,2006
18. Dubois,G., “ Le rideau de fumée. Les méthodes secrètes de l’industrie du tabac ”, Editions du
Seuil,2003,365 p.
19. Aveyard,P.,West,R. Managing smoking cessation. 2007BMJ 335:37–41.
17. 20. BBC NEWS: Passive smoke risk 'even greater' 2004/06/29 http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-
/2/hi/health/3850083.stm
21. http://tabagisme.monsite.wanadoo.fr/page5.html
22. Les jeunes et le tabagisme. Education Santé, n° 206, novembre 2005.
http://www.educationsante.be/es/article.php?id=680
23. Taytard,A., Tabagisme chez les jeunes en fonction de l'âge.
http://www.respir.com/doc/abonne/pathologie/tabac/TabagismeChezLesJeunes.asp
24. Granboulan.V. Particularités du tabagisme chez les adolescents.
http://www.splf.org/congres/past/Paris99/tabagisme_adolescent.htm
25. Unger, J. B.et al. Measuring exposure to pro and anti-tobacco marketing among adolescents:
Intercorrelations among measures and associations with smoking status. Journal of Health
Communication,2001,6,11-29.
26. Ling,P., Glantz,S. Why and how the tobacco industry sells cigarettes to young adults?
www.tobaccocontrol.com
27. Hastier, N. et al. Tabac et adolescence: Enquête sur les motivations et les connaissances des
effets du tabac. http://www.lehavresante.com/types/rmr%20tabac%20hastier.pdf
28. Proescholdbell,R., Chassin,L.,MacKinnon,D. Home smoking and adolescent smoking. Nicotine
and Tobacco Research,2000,2,159-167.
29. Abrams,D., M.Goldstein. The Tobacco Dependence Treatment Handbook: A Guide to Best
Practices, US Government Printing Office 2010.
30. Appel DW, Aldrich TK. Smoking cessation in the elderly. Clin Geriatr Med 2003;19(1):77-100.
18. Corresponding author:
Jasmine Pavlova,
Associate professor, MD
Vice dean of the Faculty of Public Health,
Medical University - Sofia
Bialo more str. 8, fl. 5
Sofia 1527
Bulgaria
Tel: +359887161580
E-mail: jpavlova@abv.bg