Related Experiment Videos
Patterns of smoking in Russia
1European Centre on Health of Societies in Transition, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK. m.mckee@lshtm.ac.uk
Tobacco Control
|August 26, 1998
Summary
Smoking is prevalent across all ages in Russian men, while in women, it is more common in younger urban dwellers. Heavy drinking is associated with smoking in both sexes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Sociology
Background:
- Tobacco use is a significant cause of preventable mortality in Russia.
- Limited public data exists on smoking prevalence and trends in Russia.
- Understanding smoking patterns is crucial for effective public health policy development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To ascertain the prevalence of smoking within the Russian population.
- To investigate the associations between smoking and various sociodemographic factors.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted to analyze tobacco consumption patterns.
- Data was collected in 1996 through the New Russia Barometer survey, a multi-stage stratified sample of the Russian Federation's population.
- The study included 1587 individuals, with a response rate of 65.7%.
Main Results:
- Smoking is widespread among males of all age groups and in all regions.
- Among women, smoking is more prevalent in younger age groups (18-34 years) and urban areas.
- Material deprivation was associated with higher smoking rates, but education showed no independent association. Heavy drinking correlated with smoking, particularly in women.
Conclusions:
- Tobacco use presents a substantial threat to the future health of the Russian population, with particular concern for women.
- A comprehensive and strong policy intervention is necessary to address the public health crisis posed by tobacco consumption.