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Community-based tobacco control program: the Mamre study, a demonstration project.
K Steyn1, M Hoffman, N S Levitt
1Chronic Diseases of Lifestyle Unit, Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa. ksteyn@mrc.ac.zsa
Ethnicity & Disease
|July 18, 2001
Summary
A community-based tobacco control program in South Africa successfully reduced smoking rates and increased quitting. This low-cost initiative demonstrated feasibility and community engagement in Mamre.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Community Interventions
- Tobacco Control
Background:
- Tobacco use remains a significant public health issue globally and in South Africa.
- Community-based programs are crucial for effective, localized health interventions.
- Mamre, South Africa, was selected for a demonstration project to address tobacco use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of a 5-year community-based tobacco control program in Mamre.
- To measure changes in smoking and quitting rates before and after the intervention.
- To assess community engagement with tobacco cessation activities.
Main Methods:
- A low-cost, community-collaborative tobacco intervention program was implemented.
- Trained community members delivered smoking cessation programs and advice.
- Cross-sectional surveys in 1989 (n=1238) and 1996 (n=974) collected demographic, smoking, and quitting data.
Main Results:
- The community actively participated in smoking cessation events.
- Smoking rates significantly decreased (OR 0.82) and quitting rates significantly increased (OR 0.74) during the intervention.
- Quitters were more likely to be older, hypertensive, obese, non-drinkers, and aware of health warnings.
Conclusions:
- A low-cost, community-based tobacco control program was successfully implemented in Mamre.
- The program fostered enthusiasm, built cessation skills, and significantly reduced smoking prevalence.
- Community collaboration is key to effective tobacco control initiatives.