Population-based evidence of a strong decline in the prevalence of smokers in Brazil (1989-2003)

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the evolution in smoking indicators in the adult Brazilian population between 1989 and 2003. Methods We compared age-adjusted prevalence ratios and means for smoking indicators, stratified by age, sex and sociodemographic variables, obtained from two comparable household surveys that used probabilistic sampling of the Brazilian population aged > 18 years (n = 34 808 in 1989 and n = 5000 in 2003). Findings Between 1989 and 2003, there was a substantial decrease in the prevalence of smoking (from 34.8% to 22.4%; ageadjusted prevalence ratio, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, CI, 0.60-0.70) and a modest reduction in the mean number of cigarettes smoked per day (from 13.3 to 11.6; age-adjusted difference, -1.8; 95% CI, -2.6 --1.0). Reductions in the prevalence and intensity of smoking were greater among males, younger age groups and higher socioeconomic strata. Conclusion The prevalence of smoking in the adult Brazilian population declined by 35% between 1989 and 2003, or an average of 2.5% per year. This exceptional reduction surpasses those seen in other countries that implemented wide-ranging and rigorous policies for controlling smoking during the same period. The more intense decline in smoking in younger age groups was consistent with the concentration of efforts of the Brazilian tobacco control programme to prevent the onset of smoking among youths and the total prohibition of cigarette advertising. We recommend the intensification of programme initiatives targeting women and less economically favoured population strata.

Evolução de indicadores do tabagismo segundo inquéritos de telefone, 2006-2014

“…In Brazil, the prevalence of smoking in 1989 was 34.8% in adults, and subsequent surveys evidenced significant reduction 9,10 . In 2013, the Brazilian National Health Survey (PNS in portuguese) indicated a prevalence of 14.7% regarding tobacco smoking 11 .…”

Estimativa da carga do tabagismo no Brasil: mortalidade, morbidade e custos

“…In Brazil, Monteiro et al 9 concluded there was a decrease in the prevalence of smoking, from 34.8% in 1989 to 22.4% in 2003. Results from a national survey indicate that in 2008 prevalence was 18.5%, showing a significant reduction when compared with the 1989 data 10 .…”

Relação entre gênero e sintomas depressivos e ansiosos em tabagistas

“…Este segundo levantamento, realizado apenas 4 anos após o primeiro 4 , demonstrou um aumento de 1,1% na taxa de dependência do tabaco na população brasileira, o que, em termos de impacto em saúde pública, é bastante preocupante. No que diz respeito ao tabagismo feminino, verifica-se que houve uma redução maior no tabagismo entre os homens do que entre as mulheres 5 ; outro estudo latino-americano aponta um maior consumo de tabaco entre as mulheres do que entre os homens 6 , sendo necessária maior atenção das políticas públicas para a população feminina de tabagistas 5 .…”