Smoking habits and attitude to smoking in the study population of the MONICA Project Augsburg

Data concerning smoking habits were derived from the first MONICA-Augsburg survey 1984/85 based on a random two stage cluster sample of the 25-64 year old population of the city of Augsburg and the two surrounding rural districts (n = 5312). Data were gathered by a standardized interview. Response was 79%. Overall, about 36% of men and 18% of women are regular cigarette smokers (i.e. smoking more than one cigarette per day). In both sexes smoking decreases with increasing age. In men 43% of the 25-34 year old participants are regular smokers and 29% in the age group 55-64. In women 29% of the youngest age group but only 9% aged 55-64 are current regular smokers. In male regular cigarette smokers the mean amount of cigarettes consumed per day is 21, in women 14 cigarettes. The mean amount of nicotine and tar consumed per day is 17 mg and 277 mg in men, 10 mg and 159 mg in women. On the average men start smoking at the age of 18 and women at the age of 21. In both sexes the percentage of regular smokers, who are willing to change their smoking habits, is very high. In each age and sex group about 60% of all regular smokers affirmed their willingness to quit smoking in the future. It is hoped, that this willingness of the population to change their smoking behavior will be supported by suitable education and intervention programs.