Global Adult Tobacco Survey data as a tool to monitor the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) implementation: the Brazilian case.

Liz Almeida,Moysés Szklo,Luís Felipe Martins,Roberta Caixeta,Deborah Malta,André Szklo,Mariana Sampaio,Mirian Souza

doi:10.3390/ijerph9072520

Abstract

The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) was conducted in Brazil to provide data on tobacco use in order to monitor the WHO FCTC implementation in the country. It was carried out in 2008 using an international standardized methodology. The instrument included questions about tobacco use prevalence, cessation, secondhand smoke, knowledge, attitudes, media and advertising. Weighted analysis was used to obtain estimates. A total of 39,425 interviews were conducted. The prevalence of current tobacco use was 17.5%, (22.0%, men; 13.3%, women). The majority of users were smokers (17.2%) and their percentage was higher in rural areas (20.4%) than in urban areas (16.6%). About 20% of individuals reported having been exposed to tobacco smoke in public places. Over 70% of respondents said they had noticed anti-smoking information in several media and around 65% of smokers said they had considered quitting because of warning labels. About 30% of respondents had noticed cigarette advertising at selling points and 96% recognized tobacco use as a risk factor for serious diseases. Data in this report can be used as baseline for evaluation of new tobacco control approaches in Brazil, vis-à-vis WHO FCTC demand reduction measures.

Highlights

The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) was developed as a response to the globalization of the tobacco epidemic [1]
The Committee was renamed as the National Committee for the WHO FCTC Implementation to ensure the tobacco control actions continue to be supported through a multi sectorial approach
In order to provide useful information for devising strategies to prevent initiation, to promote cessation and to protect people against secondhand smoke, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the demographic correlates of tobacco products use, cessation attempts, exposure to secondhand smoke, access to awareness campaigns about the risks of smoking and people’s perception of these risks among individuals aged 15 years-old and older

Summary

Introduction

The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) was developed as a response to the globalization of the tobacco epidemic [1]. This treaty establishes a set of targets and activities to be implemented by the parties to the convention. Ever since the late 1980s, when the National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP) was created, a broad set of legislative, health care, educational and economic measures have been implemented (Table 1) [2]. The Committee was renamed as the National Committee for the WHO FCTC Implementation to ensure the tobacco control actions continue to be supported through a multi sectorial approach. The WHO FCTC is the National Tobacco Control Policy—a legal mandate

Objectives

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion