[Changes in tobacco use in the general population of Barcelona, 1983-2000]

To analyze the prevalence trends for smoking and its determinants in the general population of Barcelona from 1983 to 2000.

Time series study.

Health survey based on home interviews of a representative sample of the general population of Barcelona.

In the years 1983, 1992, and 2000 we interviewed 3134, 5004, and 10,000 persons, respectively.

Between 1983 and 2000 daily tobacco use showed a steady tendency to decrease among men, with a prevalence that decreased from 54.6% to 38.3%, while in women, smoking increased between 1983 and 1992 (from 20.9% to 25.4%) but remained stable in 2000 (24.5%). The proportion of smokers who said they wanted to quit increased in both sexes from 1992 (54.2%) to 2000 (65.7%). During this period the proportion of smokers who said their doctor had advised them to quit increased from 36.1% to 48.1%. The trends for both sexes showed that consumption of tobacco products was greater among less privileged socioeconomic groups.

The results of this study confirm the decrease in the prevalence of daily consumption of tobacco products and the increase in smokers who would like to quit, in parallel with the increase in advice from physicians to quit. However, the trends among younger groups remained stable, a finding that makes it necessary to intensify efforts aimed at this population group.