Support for a tobacco endgame strategy in 18 European countries

Abstract Objective The feasibility of a tobacco endgame strategy, aiming to bring smoking prevalence to near-zero levels, is currently under debate. We provide information on public support for such a strategy in Europe. Methods In 2010 we conducted a face-to-face representative survey in 18 Europea...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Preventive medicine 2014-10, Vol.67, p.255-258
Main Authors: Gallus, Silvano, Lugo, Alessandra, Fernandez, Esteve, Gilmore, Anna B, Leon, Maria E, Clancy, Luke, La Vecchia, Carlo
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Attitude to Health
Biological and medical sciences
Endgame strategy
Europe
Europe - epidemiology
Female
Health Policy - legislation & jurisprudence
Humans
Internal Medicine
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Miscellaneous
Prevention and actions
Public health. Hygiene
Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine
Public Opinion
Public support
Smoking - epidemiology
Smoking Cessation
Smoking Prevention
Tobacco Products - supply & distribution
Tobacco smoking
Tobacco, tobacco smoking
Toxicology
Young Adult
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Summary:Abstract Objective The feasibility of a tobacco endgame strategy, aiming to bring smoking prevalence to near-zero levels, is currently under debate. We provide information on public support for such a strategy in Europe. Methods In 2010 we conducted a face-to-face representative survey in 18 European countries (Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, England, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain and Sweden). The present analysis is based on 16,947 individuals aged ≥ 15 years providing information on their attitudes towards a complete ban on the use or sale of tobacco. Results Overall, 34.9% of adults (32.8% in men and 37.0% in women; p < 0.001) supported a complete ban strategy on use or sale of tobacco, 41.2% of never, 29.4% of ex- and 25.6% of current smokers. The highest support was observed in southern Europe (42.5%), followed by eastern (39.1%), northern (27.5%) and western Europe (23.0%; p < 0.001). A significant inverse trend was observed with both age and education. Conclusion Approximately one in three adults (and one in four smokers) supports a comprehensive tobacco endgame intervention. This first study in Europe provides a baseline for evaluating future trends in public support for extreme propositions to end or drastically cut smoking.
ISSN:0091-7435
1096-0260
DOI:10.1016/j.ypmed.2014.08.001