[Prevalence of tobacco consumption in Mallorca]

The prevalence of tobacco consumption has been estimated in the population of Mallorca, by means of a survey based on interviews of a random sample of 300 individuals between the ages of 18 and 75, selected from the 1986 electoral census of the Island. From the 297 valid questionnaires, the prevalence of smokers was 34%; 15% were ex-smokers and 50% non-smokers. Among women younger than 40 years old the prevalence of smokers was 60%. A direct relationship between level of education and prevalence of smokers was observed for women. Immigrants from the mainland of Spain formed a major proportion of smokers (44%) compared to the Mallorcans (30%), and also among those living in the main city (41%) with respect to those living in other areas (25%). The prevalence of tobacco consumption in Mallorca shows a similar pattern to that of other geographical and cultural areas with similar characteristics.