Smoking habits in Hungary: analysis based on surveys of the past decade

Abstract

Passing the amendments to the anti-smoking law in Hungary indicates a firm determination of the Department of Health to curb tobacco use. Professional steps were destined to follow policies and control measures. The Methodological Support Center for Smoking Cessation began operation at the National Korányi Institute of Tuberculosis and Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary in 2012. The objective is to provide methodological assistance for evidence based smoking cessation support. The Center aspires to unite and direct the activities aimed at tobacco control, as well as initiate the drafting of appropriate medical guidelines. The Center works to ensure that information regarding smoking and personalized cessation support reaches wide range of Hungarian smokers through individual group and telephone counseling methods. Analysis of the results of national surveys conducted during the past decade on the adult population reveals that the proportion of daily smokers in Hungary has decreased to 28-29%. The proportion of men smokers (32-34%) indicates a more significant decrease, while the proportion of women smokers (24-25%) levels. Groups that are most affected by increased risk of smoking are people with low level of education, those facing economic hardship, the age groups of 17-34 and 35-64 years and women.