International Approaches to Tobacco Use Cessation Programming and Policy in Adolescents and Young Adults: the Case of Spain

Abstract

Spain has one of the highest smoking rates among adolescents and young adults worldwide. Smoking prevention and cessation programs have been developed for this population; however, the status of evidence-based programs in Spain remains unknown. Previous reviews evaluated the efficacy of smoking prevention and cessation programs, but an update of the results is needed for these and new interventions implemented in Spain. The objective of this paper was to examine the current status of evidence-based smoking prevention and cessation programs for Spanish adolescents and young adults. The current prevalence of tobacco use among Spanish adolescents is described at the state level. We reviewed the results of drug-prevention programs (including tobacco) and provide an in-depth analysis of evidence-based school programs, focused on prevention and cessation of tobacco use in Spain The strengths and shortcomings of the programs are identified, and recommendations for future studies and applications are proposed.