[Croatian health survey: cigarette smoking]

The aim of the study was to calculate the prevalence of smoking habit among Croatian population according to sex, age groups and country regions. The aim was also to analyze the use of health services by smokers and nonsmokers.

Data collected during the 2003 Croatian Health Survey were used in the study. The sample was representative of particular regions. A total of 12,254 individuals aged 18 were interviewed.

According to data obtained in the survey, there were 27.4% of daily smokers in the population aged 18. There were great differences between the regions. The prevalence of smoking habit was found to be higher in the east regions of inland Croatia and north Adriatic region than in other regions (29% vs. 32%). The lowest prevalence was recorded in the City of Zagreb (23%). The prevalence of cigarette smoking was higher in men (33.8%) than in women (21.7%). The highest prevalence of cigarette smoking in men was recorded in the Slavonia (east) region and lowest in north region (40.1% vs. 28.5%). In women, the highest prevalence was recorded in north Adriatic region (Istria) and lowest in Zagreb (29.2% vs. 13.9%). The prevalence of daily smokers also differed between counties within the same region. The prevalence of cigarette smoking was higher in the young than in older individuals. In some counties (mostly in the east of Croatia), more than 40% of daily smokers were aged 18-20. The lowest prevalence was in central Croatia. The prevalence of cigarette smoking in young individuals was higher in south Adriatic than in north Adriatic region. According to the level of education, the highest prevalence of smokers was recorded among individuals with with secondary school. Considering the use o health services, smokers were found to have less primary health care visits but more frequent and longer hospitalizations. Nonsmoker more frequently used preventive check-ups for high blood pressure, prostate carcinoma screening and colorectal carcinoma, whereas female smokers more frequently used screening for cervical and breast cancer than female nonsmokers.

Croatia is an average European country. Now the situation is better than it was in the past. A survey conducted in 1972 showed the prevalence of daily cigarette smoking to be 56.9% in male and 10.1% in female population. Since then, smoking habit has decreased in men and increased in women.

The differences recorded according to regions, sex and age groups are high. War situation and socioeconomic conditions (war, unemployment, low income) could influence the differences among regions and counties. The data collected can be used as a guidance on planning intervention measures.