Smoking patterns in the USSR

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Tobacco Control

Background:

• Smoking prevalence in the USSR is high, with male rates ranging from 35-80% and a notable proportion of adolescent smokers.
• Female smoking rates (around 10%) are lower than in Europe and North America.
• Per capita production of smoking materials peaked in 1971 and has since declined, with sales peaking between 1976-1980.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze smoking prevalence, production, and consumption trends in the USSR.
• To assess the characteristics of smoking materials, particularly cigarette tar content.
• To highlight the need for smoking control interventions.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of historical data on smoking prevalence, production, and sales of smoking materials.
• Examination of trends in cigarette filter use and tar content.
• Review of demographic patterns in smoking.

Main Results:

• Cigarettes constitute 70% of USSR smoking materials.
• Filter cigarette proportion rose from 1.1% (1963) to 30% (1982).
• Approximately 90% of cigarettes are high-tar (≥20 mg/cigarette).

Conclusions:

• Continued high smoking rates and high-tar cigarettes pose a significant risk for increased lung cancer and other smoking-related diseases.
• Urgent consideration of comprehensive smoking control measures is recommended.
• Interventions are crucial to mitigate future increases in smoking-related mortality.