[Smoking prevalence trends in Catalonia, Spain, 1982-1994]

Smoking prevalence trends from 1982 to 1994 of adult population in Catalonia (Spain) are described.

Four population surveys have been carried out periodically using the same questionnaires and definitions for smoking status. Surveys in 1982, 1986 and 1990 have been implemented taking samples of Catalonia population through a multistage sampling with random stratified selection by province and habitat. Individuals were chosen through a random route process. In 1994, a survey with a complex probabilistic sample design with 8 geographical areas (health regions) and 2 basic units (towns and individuals) was implemented.

Among the 15-64 years old adults, a decrease of 6.9% in smoking prevalence has been observed. The initial prevalence in 1982 was 37.9% (CI 95%: 35.4; 40.3); in 1994 this prevalence was 35.3% (CI 95%: 34.4; 36.2). In 1994, the prevalence of current smokers in population over 14 years old was 30.6% (CI 95%: 29.8; 31.4). We have observed a significant decrease in smoking prevalence in all age groups among male population (-20.6% for the 12-year period) whereas prevalence has increased among female (+28.0%) mainly among those between 25 and 54 years old. The main percentual decrease in smoking prevalence has been observed among young people aged 15-24 years old for both genders. The proportion of former smokers has remained stable (11.4% in 1982, 12.9% in 1994) during the period studied. The proportion of former smokers increases with age among man over 25 years.

Smoking habit is still very prevalent in Catalonia, even higher than in other Western European countries. In spite of the increase among women, the significant dectines of smoking prevalence among men and youngsters (of both genders) could represent encouraging findings in order to pursue the efforts aimed at reducing the morbi-mortality burden of smoking in our society.