Tobacco prevention in the Federated States of Micronesia

The impact of tobacco-related illnesses in the Federal States of Micronesia (FSM) is discussed and documented for the 1970-95 period using national government statistics and gleanings from the research literature. Based upon international data concerning tobacco-related morbidity and mortality it is estimated that 15% of 1993 FSM mortality was smoking-related and that tobacco use contributes heavily to the non-communicable diseases that are the leading causes of death there. Sources and brands of cigarettes sold in the four FSM states are noted, as is the fact that cigarettes ranked among the top five import commodities in dollar value in the mid-1980s and early 1990s. Trend data are provided on cigarette imports from 1984 to 1993, during which time FSM citizens spent over US$25.5 m on this legal drug. Brand-price survey data of cigarettes and selected foodstuffs are presented as part of a discussion of the economic opportunity costs of smoking. Tax revenues from cigarettes are recorded, as are the steps toward smoking prevention and tobacco control taken by the FSM government. The article concludes with suggestions for additional controls that might be implemented.