Tobacco and alcohol control among population over 15 years old in Lamphun province, Thailand

Abstract

The strategic plan, to drive Lamphun smoke and alcohol free province, composed of 4 strategies. There were empowerment tobacco and alcohol free control, prevention of new addiction users, helping to quit, and arranging good environment. Tobacco and alcohol control among population over 15 years old was investigated before and after implementation of the province strategic plan. We included 731 participants from each house by Krish table. Non-smokers were 88% in December 2016. Among those, 65% never smoking in their life. Smokers in Lamphun were increased from report in the previous year, it was 15%. Current smokers were both male and female. Most of Them smoked every day, frequently used rolling cigarette more than manufactured cigarettes. Male started to smoke before 15 years old, while female started after 18 years old. Two-third smokers never had idea to quit. Smokers, who ever attempted to quit in last year, chose to stop by cold turkey technique. Majority, they could quit 3 months before return to smoke again. The previous report showed 23% of Lamphun citizen whom always drink alcohol. However, we found 42% of participants never drank alcoholic beverage, 36% never drank neither smoking. Participants about 9% were drank and smoke, they started these behaviours around 18-24 years old. In last 30 days, a half of them drank in party, 7% of them had drunk in forbidden events. They received alcohol free campaign from local cable TV and community events. However, they still found promotion advertisements at sale point. Almost one year of implementation a tobacco and alcohol free town. We investigated by sampling 731 participants with the same methodology. We found 81% non-smokers compared with 88% non-smokers before the project. Male began smoking between 15-17 years old, while female was 15-24 years old. Smokers about 61.87% never think to quit. As previous report, smokers attempted to quit by cold turkey technique but their success was less than 3 months. Non-alcoholic persons were 66%, which increased from the previous survey. However, participants who discarded both cigarette and alcohol beverage were reduce from 41% to 34%. In last 30 days, 20% of them had drunk in forbidden events, this number was triple increased before the project. The strategic plan, to drive Lamphun smoke and alcohol free province, showed unsuccessful outcome. Smokers and drinkers were increased. They also stated that the behaviour performed in forbidden area neither cultural events. Non-smoking area sign was not trigger their interested. Accidental and injuries from drinker were increase. A numbers of second-hand smokers were report higher than previous period. In summary, Lamphun province need to review and suggest a new strategic plan to drive smoke and alcohol free province.