Building the evidence base for global tobacco control

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Health Policy

Background:

• A comprehensive global information system is essential for effective tobacco control.
• Monitoring tobacco trade, industry practices, usage patterns, mortality, and control resources is critical.
• The Tobacco Control Country Profiles database is the initial development phase of such a system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the methods used to compile baseline tobacco use data.
• To analyze selected indicators from the database to demonstrate its utility.
• To inform future tobacco control strategies and data collection priorities.

Main Methods:

• Data collected from 191 WHO Member States, Associate Members, Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan Province, and the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
• Analysis of gender-specific smoking prevalence by WHO Region.
• Examination of per capita cigarette consumption by Human Development Index (HDI) category.
• Assessment of average real annual percentage changes in cigarette prices (1990-1999).

Main Results:

• In 1998, men were nearly four times more likely to smoke than women.
• Smoking prevalence among men was highest in the Western Pacific Region.
• Per capita cigarette consumption was lowest in the lowest HDI category and highest in the highest HDI category.
• Significant scope exists for increasing tobacco taxes, especially in low/medium HDI countries.

Conclusions:

• The Tobacco Control Country Profiles database is a valuable resource for global tobacco control.
• Findings highlight disparities in smoking prevalence and consumption patterns.
• Data suggests opportunities for tax-based interventions to reduce tobacco use.
• Maintaining and enhancing the information system is vital for ongoing tobacco control efforts.