Caderno temático do Programa Saúde na Escola: prevenção do uso do tabaco / Thematic notebook of the School Health Program: prevention of tobacco use

Estudo sobre a prevenção do uso do tabaco

"Tobacco denormalization at home": the contribution of the smoking ban in enclosed workplaces in Brazil / "Desnormalização do uso de tabaco em casa": a contribuição da proibição de fumar em ambientes fechados de trabalho no Brasil / "Desnormalización del tabaco en casa": contribución de la prohibición de fumar en lugares de trabajo cerrados en Brasil

Estimates suggest that exposure to environmental tobacco smoke is related to 1.2 million deaths per year worldwide. Synergy between various anti-smoking legislative and educational measures is essential to stimulate cessation and prevent initiation. This article aimed to explore how legislative protection from exposure to environmental tobacco smoke in enclosed workplaces in Brazil, whose strengthening occurred in a phased manner between 1996 and 2014, possibly contributed to the protection from passive smoking at home. We evaluated, via generalized linear models, the absolute and relative differences in the proportion of individuals living in smoke-free homes between those exposed and not exposed to passive smoking in enclosed workplaces, both crude and adjusted by sociodemographic and smoking behavior variables, and stratified by non-smokers and smokers. Data from three national surveys conducted in 2008, 2013, and 2019 were used. Regardless of smoking status and year when the data were analyzed, individuals who were employed in smoke-free workplaces were more likely to live in smoke-free homes than smokers who were employed in workplaces that allowed smoking. Adjusted absolute difference increased from +5.5% in 2008 to +10.5% in 2013 among non-smokers, and from +7.1% in 2013 to 15.6% in 2019 among smokers (p-values for additive interaction ≤ 0.05). Strengthening the Brazilian smoke-free legislation was likely associated with a reduction in passive smoking at home, which, therefore, may also reduce the burden of mortality, morbidity, and costs for society related to smoking.

Estima-se que a exposição à fumaça ambiental de tabaco esteja relacionada a 1,2 milhão de mortes por ano no mundo. A sinergia das diversas medidas antitabaco, tanto legislativas quanto educativas, é essencial para estimular a cessação e prevenir a iniciação do tabagismo. O artigo tem como objetivo explorar a possível contribuição da proteção legislativa contra a exposição à fumaça ambiental de tabaco nos locais fechados de trabalho no Brasil, cujo fortalecimento ocorreu por fases entre 1996 e 2014, para a proteção contra o tabagismo passivo em casa. Foram utilizados modelos lineares generalizados para avaliar as diferenças absolutas e relativas na proporção de brasileiros que vivem em domicílios sem fumaça ambiental de tabaco, entre aqueles expostos e não expostos ao tabagismo passivo em locais de trabalho fechados, brutas e ajustadas por variáveis sociodemográficas e de comportamento de tabagismo, estratificadas entre fumantes e não fumantes. Foram usados os dados de três inquéritos nacionais, realizados em 2008, 2013 e 2019. Independentemente de condição de tabagista e do ano de análise, os indivíduos empregados em locais de trabalho livres de tabaco apresentaram maior probabilidade de residir em domicílios livres de tabaco, comparado com aqueles que trabalhavam em locais onde fumar era permitido. A diferença absoluta ajustada aumentou de +5,5% em 2008 para +10,5% em 2013 entre não fumantes, e de +7,1% em 2013 para +15,6% em 2019 entre fumantes (valores de p de interação aditiva ≤ 0,05). É provável que o fortalecimento da legislação antitabaco no Brasil esteve associado a uma redução no tabagismo passivo em casa, o que, portanto, pode reduzir a carga de morbimortalidade e de custos para a sociedade, relacionados ao tabagismo.

Se estimó que la exposición al humo del tabaco ambiental está relacionada con 1,2 millones de muertes por año en todo el mundo. La sinergia de varias medidas antitabaco legislativas y educacionales es esencial para estimular dejar de fumar y prevenir comenzar a fumar. La propuesta de este artículo fue explorar la posible contribución de la protección legislativa ante la exposición al humo del tabaco ambiental en lugares de trabajo cerrados en Brasil, cuyo afianzamiento se produjo de manera gradual entre 1996 y 2014, para la protección de los fumadores pasivos en casa. Se utilizaran modelos lineales generalizados para evaluar las diferencias absolutas y relativas en la proporción de individuos que viven en hogares libres de humos, entre quienes estaban expuestos y no expuestos como fumadores pasivos en lugares de trabajo cerrados, crudas y ajustadas por variables sociodemográficas y comportamiento de fumador, y estratificadas por no fumadores y fumadores. Se usaron los datos de las tres encuestas nacionales llevadas a cabo en 2008, 2013 y 2019. Independientemente del estatus del consumo de tabaco y el año de análisis, los individuos que fueron empleados en un lugar de trabajo libre de humos tenían más probabilidades de vivir en un hogar libre de humos en comparación con los fumadores que trabajaban en donde se fumaba. La diferencia ajustada absoluta aumentó del +5,5% en 2008 al +10,5% en 2013 entre no fumadores, y del +7,1% en 2013 al +15,6% en 2019 entre fumadores (valores de p de interacción aditiva ≤ 0,05). El fortalecimiento de la legislación antitabaco en Brasil estuvo presumiblemente asociado con una reducción con los fumadores pasivos en el hogar, y, por consiguiente, podría también reducir la carga de mortalidad, morbilidad y costes para la sociedad en relación con el tabaquismo.

A proibição dos cigarros eletrônicos no Brasil: sucesso ou fracasso? / The ban of eletronic cigarettes in Brazil: success or failure?

Resumo O Brasil foi um dos primeiros países do mundo a proibir os Dispositivos Eletrônicos de Fumar (DEFs), tal proibição foi motivada pela inexistência de evidências relativas às alegadas propriedades terapêuticas e da inocuidade destes produtos. Por conta de tal proibição, A Anvisa foi criticada, especialmente de grupos de usuários. Estes grupos argumentam que tal ação proibiu um produto que auxiliaria a cessação ao tabagismo e seria menos tóxico que os cigarros comuns. Assim sendo, surge o questionamento se esta decisão foi acertada ou não. Os dados disponíveis mostram que os DEFs possuem formulações diversas e algumas substâncias tóxicas são liberadas durante sua utilização em níveis significativos. Estudos em animais e em humanos demonstraram potencial efeito tóxico. Os DEFs também demostraram que podem afetar a saúde de fumantes passivos. Quanto a seu uso como ferramenta de cessação, os estudos ainda não são conclusivos. Observou-se também um alto grau de uso entre adolescentes em países que seu uso foi autorizado. Desta forma o Brasil ao proibir estes produtos, impediu que a população consumisse um produto sem comprovação que auxiliasse no tratamento do tabagismo, com indícios de significativa toxidade e altamente atrativo aos jovens.

Abstract Brazil was one of the first countries in the world to ban Electronic Smoking Devices (ESDs). This ban was motivated by the lack of evidence regarding the alleged therapeutic properties and harmlessness of these products. Anvisa was criticized for this move, especially by electronic cigarette's users groups. These groups argue that prohibition prevented people's access to a product that would aid smoking cessation and be less toxic than ordinary cigarettes. Thus, the question arises as to whether this decision was successful. Available data show that ESDs have diverse formulations and some toxic substances are released at significant levels during use. Studies in animals and humans have shown a potential toxic effect, also affecting the health of passive smokers. Studies are still inconclusive regarding its use as a cessation tool. A high level of use among adolescents was observed in countries whose use was authorized. Thus, Brazil's ban prevented the population from consuming a product that has not been proven effective toward smoking cessation, with indications of significant toxicity and highly attractive to young people.

Estado actual y desafíos emergentes en la prevención y el control del tabaco / Current and emerging issues in tobacco prevention and control

Resumen: Objetivos: Revisar la aplicación del Convenio Marco de la OMS para el Control del Tabaco en las Américas, describir dos estudios de caso nacionales y analizar la evidencia sobre los cigarrillos electrónicos desde la perspectiva de salud pública. Material y métodos: Revisión de la legislación de control de tabaco y la evidencia científica sobre los cigarrillos electrónicos. Resultados: La aplicación de políticas no es homogénea, con avances importantes en ambientes libres de humo, advertencias sanitarias gráficas y vigilancia epidemiológica, pero desafíos pendientes en la prohibición total de la publicidad, incremento de impuestos y cesación tabáquica. La interferencia de la industria tabacalera es uno de los principales obstáculos para avanzar y los nuevos productos crean incertidumbre sobre su regulación. Conclusiones: Se necesita revitalizar la voluntad política para aplicar integralmente el Convenio, tomando decisiones basadas en evidencia ante los nuevos desafíos y defendiendo los logros de la interferencia de la industria.

Abstract: Objectives: To review the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in the Americas, describe two national case studies and analyze the evidence on electronic cigarettes from a public health perspective. Materials and methods: Revision of the tobacco control legislation and the scientific evidence regarding electronic cigarettes. Results: Implementation of tobacco control policies is not homogeneous, with important advances in smoke-free environments, pictorial health warnings, and epidemiological surveillance, but challenges that remain for the implementation of a total ban of tobacco advertising, increases in tobacco taxes, and tobacco cessation programs. Tobacco industry interference is one of the main obstacles for advancing and novel products create uncertainty about their regulation. Conclusion: There is a need for political will for a comprehensive implementation of the Convention, with evidence-based decisions to confront challenges and to defend the achievements from tobacco industry interference.

Medidas declaradas por padres y cuidadores de lactantes y preescolares para prevenir la exposición a humo de tabaco ambiental / Measures stated by parents and caregivers of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers to prevent environmental tobacco smoke exposure

Introducción. La exposición a humo de tabaco ambiental constituye un problema de salud pública por sus potenciales riesgos en los niños. Objetivo. Determinar las acciones preventivas adoptadas por padres y/o cuidadores de lactantes y preescolares respecto de la exposición a humo de tabaco ambiental. Métodos. Estudio transversal analítico en padres y cuidadores de lactantes y preescolares escolarizados, residentes en la ciudad de Valdivia, Chile. Se aplicó un cuestionario sobre medidas preventivas del humo de tabaco ambiental. Se analizó con estadística descriptiva y de asociación usando el test exacto de Fisher y la regresión logística para calcular odds ratio (OR) y sus respectivos intervalos de confianza del 95% (IC95%) como estimación de riesgo de no adopción de medidas preventivas en el hogar. Resultados. Participaron 469 padres y cuidadores. La prevalencia de hogares con un miembro fumador fue 51,8%. La mayoría fumaba fuera del hogar (92,2%). La medida más adoptada fuera del hogar fue evitar lugares con gente fumando. En este ambiente, hubo diferencia significativa entre hombres y mujeres en no prevenir la exposición (7,6% vs. 2,2%; p= 0,040). Se constató mayor riesgo de no prevenir el consumo en el hogar (dentro o fuera) cuando hubo algún miembro fumador (OR 3,55; IC95%: 2,05-6,14). Y menor riesgo cuando hubo dos o más niños en el hogar (OR 0,46; IC95%: 0,26-0,83). Conclusiones. La mayoría de los padres y cuidadores piden que se fume fuera del hogar y evitan los lugares con gente fumando, aunque, en los hogares con miembros fumadores, la prevención es menor.

Introduction. The exposure to environmental tobacco smoke is a public health problem because of its potential risks for children. Objective. To determine the preventive actions taken by parents and/or caregivers of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers regarding environmental tobacco smoke exposure. Methods. Cross-sectional, analytical study in parents and caregivers of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers from Valdivia, Chile. A questionnaire on preventive measures regarding environmental tobacco smoke was administered. The questionnaire was analyzed with descriptive and association statistics using Fisher's exact test and logistic regression to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) as an estimation of the risk for not taking preventive measures at home. Results. A total of 469 parents and caregivers participated. The prevalence of households with one member who smoked was 51.8%. Most of them smoked outside the house (92.2%). The most common measure taken outside the household was to avoid places where people smoked. In this setting, a significant difference was observed between men and women in relation to avoiding exposure (7.6% versus 2.2%; p= 0.040). A higher risk for not avoiding tobacco use inside or outside the housewas confirmed when a household member smoked (OR: 3.55; 95% CI: 2.05-6.14). Also, a lower risk was observed when there were two or more children in the household (OR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.26-0.83). Conclusions. Most parents and caregivers ask others to smoke outside and avoid places where people smoke; however, the level of prevention is lower among households with smokers.

Tabaquismo pasivo y su efecto en la salud infantil: ¿Qué cambió en 11 años?: Hospital Zubizarreta / Passive smoking and its effect on children's health: What changes in 11 years?: Zubizarreta Hospital

Investigación que sigue los hallazgos de un estudio previo realizado entre junio de 2005 y junio de 2006, sobre el humo ambiental de tabaco y sus efectos en las madres y sus hijos, donde se encuestaron 100 madres de niños que se atendieron en el Hospital Zubizarreta. de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar cuál es la situación actual de las familias que asisten al mismo hospital, en relación a la exposición al tabaco y si hay algún cambio en la distribución de fumadores en los hogares de los pacientes, o si se expone menos a los niños fumando fuera de las viviendas en las familias de fumadores. Se realizó un estudio epidemiológico descriptivo transversal para el que se confeccionó una encuesta semiestructurada anónima que se les realizó a las madres de niños/as entre 4 meses y 12 años de edad que concurrieron al hospital. La misma fue administrada por médicos del Consultorio Externo de Pediatría y una voluntaria que concurrió por 1 mes para efectuarla. El estudio se llevó a cabo entre julio de 2016 y julio de 2017, y se trabajó sobre las variables socio demográficas incluidas en el Índice de Graffar modificado, como tipo de vivienda, trabajo, escolaridad entre otros. A su vez se incluyen datos de salud, sobre antecedentes obstétricos de la madre y de procesos de enfermedad de los/as hijos/as y del consumo o no de tabaco, entre otras variables

Smokefree implementation in Colombia: Monitoring, outside funding, and business support / Implementación de los espacios libres de humo en Colombia: vigilancia, financiación externa y apoyo empresarial

Abstract: Objective: To analyze successful national smokefree policy implementation in Colombia, a middle income country. Materials and methods: Key informants at the national and local levels were interviewed and news sources and government ministry resolutions were reviewed. Results: Colombia’s Ministry of Health coordinated local implementation practices, which were strongest in larger cities with supportive leadership. Nongovernmental organizations provided technical assistance and highlighted noncompliance. Organizations outside Colombia funded some of these efforts. The bar owners’ association provided concerted education campaigns. Tobacco interests did not openly challenge implementation. Conclusions: Health organization monitoring, external funding, and hospitality industry support contributed to effective implementation, and could be cultivated in other low and middle income countries.

Resumen: Objetivo: Analizar la implementación exitosa de políticas nacionales de ambientes libres de humo en Colombia, un país de ingresos medios. Material y métodos: Entrevistas con informantes claves a nivel nacional y local, y revisión de artículos en las noticias y resoluciones ministeriales nacionales. Resultados: El Ministerio de Salud de Colombia coordinó las prácticas locales para la implementación, que fueron más fuertes en las ciudades grandes y en las ciudades con líderes políticos que la apoyaron. Organizaciones no gubernamentales proporcionaron asistencia técnica y destacaron el incumplimiento. Organizaciones fuera de Colombia financiaron algunos de estos esfuerzos. La asociación de propietarios de bares proporcionó campañas de educación concertadas. Intereses tabacaleros no desafiaron abiertamente la implementación. Conclusiones. La vigilancia de las organizaciones no gubernamentales, la financiación externa y el apoyo de la industria de la hospitalidad contribuyeron a una implementación eficaz. Tales factores pueden ser cultivados en países de ingresos bajos y medios.

Humo de tercera mano. Prevención en los niños / Third-hand smoke. Prevention in children

Se explica qué es el humo de segunda y de tercera mano, y cómo persiste en el tiempo. Se detalla cómo afecta a los no fumadores y a los niños. Se describen los síntomas y signos de la intoxicación por tabaco.

It explains what is second-hand and third-hand smoke and how it persists over time. It is detailed how it affects non-smokers and the children. Symptoms and signs of tobacco poisoning are described.

A percepção do cumprimento das leis antifumo em bares e restaurantes em três cidades brasileiras: dados do ITC-Brasil / La percepción del cumplimiento de las leyes antitabaco en bares y restaurantes en tres ciudades brasileñas: datos del ITC-Brasil / Perceived enforcement of anti-smoking laws in bars and restaurants of three Brazilian cities: data from the ITC-Brazil survey

Resumo: O tabagismo passivo causa sérios e mortais efeitos à saúde. Desde 1996, o Brasil vem avançando na implementação da legislação antifumo em locais públicos fechados. Este artigo busca avaliar a percepção do cumprimento da legislação antifumo nas cidades de Porto Alegre (Rio Grande do Sul), Rio de Janeiro e São Paulo, com base nos resultados da pesquisa ITC-Brasil (International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project). Os resultados desta pesquisa mostraram uma redução significativa da proporção de pessoas que notaram indivíduos fumando em restaurantes e bares entre 2009 e 2013 nas três cidades pesquisadas. Paralelamente, houve um aumento da proporção de fumantes que referiram ter fumado na área externa desses estabelecimentos. Tais resultados provavelmente refletem uma implementação exitosa das leis antifumo. Vale ressaltar que ao diminuir a exposição ao fumo passivo, aumentamos ainda mais a desnormalização do tabagismo na população em geral, podendo assim diminuir sua iniciação e aumentar a cessação de fumar.

Resumen: El tabaquismo pasivo causa serios y mortales efectos para la salud. Desde 1996, Brasil ha avanzado en la implementación de la legislación antitabaco en locales públicos cerrados. Este artículo busca evaluar la percepción del cumplimiento de la legislación antitabaco en las ciudades de Porto Alegre (Rio Grande do Sul), Río de Janeiro y São Paulo, Brasil, en base a los resultados de la investigación ITC-Brasil (International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project). Los resultados de esta investigación mostraron una reducción significativa de la proporción de personas que notaron individuos fumando en restaurantes y bares entre 2009 y 2013 en las tres ciudades investigadas. Paralelamente, hubo un aumento de la proporción de fumadores que informaron haber fumado en el área externa de esos establecimientos. Tales resultados probablemente reflejan una implementación exitosa de las leyes antitabaco. Vale resaltar que al disminuir la exposición al humo pasivo, aumentamos incluso más la desnormalización del tabaquismo en la población en general, pudiendo así disminuir su iniciación y aumentar el abandono del tabaco.

Abstract: Passive smoking causes severe and lethal effects on health. Since 1996 Brazil has been moving forward in the implementation of anti-smoking legislation in enclosed public spaces. This article aims to evaluate the perceived enforcement of anti-smoking legislation in the cities of Porto Alegre (Rio Grande do Sul State), Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, Brazil, based on the results of the ITC-Brazil Survey (International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project). The results of the survey showed a significant reduction in the proportion of people who saw individuals smoking in restaurants and bars between 2009 and 2013 in the three cities surveyed. Concurrently there was an increase in the proportion of smokers who mentioned having smoked in the outer areas of these facilities. These results likely reflect a successful implementation of anti-smoking laws. Of note is the fact that by decreasing passive smoking we further enhance smoking denormalization among the general population, decreasing smoking initiation and increasing its cessation.

Tabaquismo pasivo y recurrencia de crisis en niños asmáticos de edad escolar / Passive smoking and crisis relapsing in asthmatic children in preschool age

Introducción: el humo ambiental del tabaco es un riesgo significativo para la salud de los niños pequeños. Se pretende estudiar el papel del tabaquismo pasivo en el padecimiento de asma en niños. Objetivo: identificar la presencia de tabaquismo pasivo y su asociación con la recurrencia de crisis en niños asmáticos de edad escolar. Métodos: estudio longitudinal de casos y controles (n= 320) en el servicio de Alergología del Hospital Pediátrico Universitario "William Soler" de La Habana, en el período comprendido entre febrero 2014 y enero 2015. Se aplicó una encuesta de factores ambientales a todos los sujetos participantes. La construcción y validación de la misma se realizó por un grupo de expertos. Se utilizaron medidas de resumen para variables cualitativas (porcentajes). Para valorar la asociación entre factores de riesgo se aplicó la prueba de X2 y razón de momios (Odds Ratio, OR), como medida de la fuerza de esa relación con su estimación puntual y por intervalos de confianza de 95 por ciento. Se fijó un nivel de significación de 0,05. Resultados: la exposición al humo del tabaco estuvo presente en el 75 por ciento de los niños con recurrencia de crisis de asma, con OR de 3,6; de ellos el 72,5 por ciento tenían padres fumadores, con un OR de 4,89. Conclusiones: el tabaquismo pasivo, con especial significación la presencia de padres fumadores, fue el factor de riesgo más importante para la recurrencia de las crisis de asma en el grupo de estudio(AU)

Introduction: environmental tobacco smoke is a significant risk for the health of younger children. We intend to study the role of passive smoking to asthma suffering in children. Objective: to identify the presence of passive smoking and its association with relapsing crisis in asthmatic preschool children. Methods: longitudinal case-control study (n=320) at the Allergology service of William Soler University Pediatric Hospital of Havana, in the time from February 2014 and Janu8ary 2015. We conducted an environmental factors survey to all the participant individuals. Construction and validation of such survey was carried out by a group of experts. We used summarizing measures for qualitative variables (percentages). To assess the association among risk factors we applied the chi-square test and the odds ratio, as to measure the strength of the relation with it score estimate and by confidence intervals at 95 percent. We fixed a significance level of 0.05. Results: exposition to tobacco smoke was present in 75 percent of the children with asthmatic crisis relapsing, with OR of 3.6; out of which 72.5 percent had smoking parents, with OR of 4.89. Conclusions: passive smoking, specially the presence of smoking parents, was the most important risk factor for the relapse of asthmatic crisis in the studied group(AU)

Tabaquismo y percepción del riesgo de fumar en trabajadores de la educación, 2010-2011 / Smoking and smoking risk perception in Cuban education workers, 2010-2011

Objetivos: determinar prevalencia y características del tabaquismo activo-pasivo, y describir la percepción del riesgo de exposición al humo de tabaco ajeno en el ámbito escolar. Métodos: estudio observacional transversal realizado entre 2010-2011. Se aplicó cuestionario a 1 959 trabajadores de 50 escuelas cubanas. Las preguntas se relacionaron, entre otros, con variables sociodemográficas, uso de productos del tabaco, conocimientos y actitudes hacia el tabaquismo, políticas en las instituciones escolares y acerca de la percepción del riesgo de la exposición. Se calcularon porcentajes, intervalo de confianza de 95 por ciento y se modeló la probabilidad de recomendación de abandono de fumar. Resultados: la prevalencia actual de tabaquismo fue de 33 por ciento (30,2-34,9) con 32,0 por ciento entre los profesores. El 88 por ciento declaró la existencia de regulaciones para fumar en la escuela. El 82 por ciento manifestó influencia del consumo de los profesores sobre el consumo de los estudiantes y el 60 por ciento estuvo expuestos al humo de tabaco ajeno. El 77 por ciento valoró como muy riesgosa la relación fumar-salud. No incluir el tema del tabaquismo en el programa escolar ni realizar actividades de prevención extra aula y considerar poco o nada riesgoso fumar activa-pasivamente, redujeron la probabilidad de recomendación de abandono de fumar. Conclusiones: la alta prevalencia de tabaquismo en los trabajadores, insuficiente preparación para abordar con efectividad la prevención y el control y el poco cumplimiento de las regulaciones establecidas, constituyen barreras objetivas para la toma de medidas que limiten la adicción en el ámbito escolar(AU)

Objectives: to determine the prevalence and characteristics of active/passive smoking and to describe the risk perception of exposure to second hand smoke in the school setting. Methods: observational and cross-sectional study conducted from 2010 to 2011. To this end, a questionnaire was given to 1 959 workers from 50 Cuban schools to collect their answers. The questions were related, among other issues, with socio-demographic variables, uses of cigar products, knowledge, attitudes toward smoking, policies established at the schools and perception of exposure risk. Percentages and 95 percent confidence intervals were estimated and the probabilities of advising to quit smoking were modeled. Results: the current prevalence of smoking was 33 percent (30.2-34.9); 32 percent among professors. In the sample, 88 percent stated that there were regulations on smoking at school. Eighty two percent admitted that smoking habit in professors had some influence in their student's smoking whereas 60 percent were second-hand smokers. In the group, 77 percent assessed the smoking- health relationship as very risky. The non-inclusion of the topic of smoking in the curriculum, the non-existence of preventive activities outside the classroom and the evaluation of active and passive smoking as little dangerous or riskless decreased the probabilities of advising people to quit smoking. Conclusions: high prevalence of smoking in education workers, poor preparation to effectively address prevention and control of the habit and the non-compliance with set regulations are objective barriers to the decision-making on the restriction of this addiction in the school setting(AU)

Costa Rica's implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control: Overcoming decades of industry dominance / La implementación del Convenio Marco para el Control del Tabaco en Costa Rica, fin a décadas de dominio de la industria

Objective. To analyze the passage of Costa Rica's 2012 tobacco control law. Materials and methods. Review of legislation, newspaper articles, and key informant interviews. Results. Tobacco control advocates, in close collaboration with international health groups, recruited national, regional and international experts to testify in the Legislative Assembly, implemented grassroots advocacy campaigns, and generated media coverage to enact strong legislation in March 2012 consistent with the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, despite tobacco industry lobbying efforts that for decades blocked effective tobacco control legislation. Conclusion. Costa Rica's experience illustrates how with resources, good strategic planning, aggressive tactics and perseverance tobacco control advocates can overcome tobacco industry opposition in the Legislative Assembly and Executive Branch. This determined approach has positioned Costa Rica to become a regional leader in tobacco control.

Objetivo. Analizar la adopción de la ley de control del tabaco de 2012 en Costa Rica. Material y métodos. Revisión de la legislación, artículos de periódicos y entrevistas con informantes clave. Resultados. Los defensores del control del tabaco, en estrecha colaboración con grupos internacionales de salud pública y expertos nacionales, regionales e internacionales, reclutados para testificar en la Asamblea Legislativa, implementaron campañas de comunicación e incidencia política que resultaron en la aprobación en marzo de 2012 de una legislación fuerte y en consonancia con el Convenio Marco para el Control del Tabaco de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Todo esto a pesar de los esfuerzos de la industria tabacalera que, por décadas, había logrado bloquear la aprobación de una legislación eficaz de control del tabaco en Costa Rica. Conclusión. La experiencia de Costa Rica ilustra cómo con recursos, una buena planificación estratégica, tácticas agresivas y perseverancia, los defensores del control del tabaco pudieron superar la oposición de la industria tabacalera en la Asamblea Legislativa y el Poder Ejecutivo. La adopción de una ley efectiva de control de tabaco ha posicionado a Costa Rica como un líder regional en el control de tabaco.

Cohort study of smoke-free homes in economically disadvantaged communities in the Dominican Republic / Estudio de cohortes de hogares libres de humo de tabaco en comunidades económicamente desfavorecidas de la República Dominicana

OBJECTIVE: To analyze household smoking-ban prevalence over time and predictors among communities in the Dominican Republic, historically a significant tobacco-growing country with few tobacco control regulations. METHODS: Baseline (2004) and follow-up surveillance surveys (2006, 2007) (each n > 1 000 randomly selected households) conducted in six economically disadvantaged communities (three tobacco-growing and two each urban, peri-urban, and rural) assessed household members’ demographics, health status, and household characteristics, including smoking restrictions. RESULTS: Between 2004 and 2007, household smoking-ban prevalence increased in all communities, with overall rates increasing from 23.9% (2004) to 45.3% (2007). Households with smokers adopted smoking bans at lower rates (6%-17%) versus those without smokers (which had an adoption rate of 35%-58%). Logistic regression models demonstrated that the associations between allowing smoking in households with no members who smoked and being located in a tobacco-growing community, being a Catholic household, and having a member with a cardiovascular problem were statistically significant. The association between having a child under age 5 or a member with a respiratory condition and prohibiting smoking in the home was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of households banning smoking increased in all communities but remained well below rates in industrialized countries. For low- and middle-income countries or those in early stages of tobacco control, basic awareness-raising measures (including surveillance activities) may lead to statistically significant increases in household smoking-ban adoption, particularly among households with no smokers. An increase in household smoking-ban prevalence may result in changes in community norms that can lead to a further increase in the adoption of smoking bans. Having household members who smoke and being in a tobacco-growing community may mitigate the establishment of household bans. Increasing individuals’ knowledge about the far-reaching health effects of secondhand smoke exposure on children and nonsmoking adults (healthy or unhealthy) may help overcome these obstacles.

OBJETIVO: Analizar la evolución de las prohibiciones de fumar en los hogares con el transcurso del tiempo, y los factores predictivos de estas prohibiciones en las comunidades de la República Dominicana, un país que históricamente ha sido un importante productor de tabaco con pocas regulaciones en cuanto a su control. MÉTODOS: Se llevaron a cabo un estudio inicial (2004) y estudios de vigilancia posterior (2006 y 2007) (cada uno de ellos con un tamaño de muestra n superior a 1 000 hogares seleccionados aleatoriamente) en seis comunidades económicamente desfavorecidas (tres productoras de tabaco, y dos de cada uno de los entornos urbano, periurbano y rural), y se evaluaron los datos demográficos de los miembros de los hogares, su estado de salud y las características de los hogares, incluidas las restricciones al consumo de tabaco. RESULTADOS: Entre el 2004 y el 2007, la prevalencia de la prohibición de fumar en los hogares aumentó en todas la comunidades, con un incremento general de las tasas de 23,9 (2004) a 45,3% (2007). Las tasas de adopción de prohibiciones de fumar en los hogares con fumadores fueron inferiores (de 6 a 17%) a las de los hogares sin fumadores (de 35 a 58%). Los modelos de regresión logística demostraron una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre la permisividad con el tabaco en los hogares sin miembros fumadores y la pertenencia a una comunidad productora de tabaco, profesar la religión católica y la presencia de un miembro afectado por una enfermedad cardiovascular. La asociación entre la presencia de un niño menor de cinco años o de un miembro afectado por una enfermedad respiratoria y la prohibición de fumar en el hogar no fue estadísticamente significativa. CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia de hogares en los que se prohibía fumar aumentó en todas las comunidades pero se mantuvo bastante por debajo de las tasas de los países industrializados. En los países con ingresos bajos y medianos, o que se encuentran en fases iniciales del control del tabaco, las medidas básicas de sensibilización (incluidas las actividades de vigilancia) pueden conducir a incrementos estadísticamente significativos de la adopción de la prohibición de fumar, en particular en los hogares sin fumadores. Un aumento de la prevalencia de hogares en los que se prohíba fumar puede dar lugar a cambios en las normas de la comunidad que a su vez comporten un aumento adicional de la adopción de prohibiciones de fumar. La presencia en el hogar de miembros fumadores y la pertenencia a una comunidad productora de tabaco pueden mitigar el establecimiento de prohibiciones en los hogares. El incremento de la información proporcionada a las personas sobre los importantes efectos sobre la salud de la exposición pasiva al humo de tabaco de los niños y los adultos no fumadores (sanos o enfermos) puede ayudar a superar estos obstáculos.

Tobacco use and cessation counseling in India-data from the Global Health Professions Students Survey, 2005-09.

Context: Tobacco use by health professionals reflects the failure of healthcare systems in protecting not only beneficiaries of the system but also those involved in health care delivery. Aim: The aim of this study was to report findings from the Global Health Professions Students Survey (GHPSS) conducted in medical, dental, nursing and pharmacy schools in India. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Indian dental and medical schools (in 2009), nursing (in 2007), and pharmacy (in 2008) schools. Materials and Methods: Anonymous, self-administered GHPSS questionnaire covering demographics, tobacco use prevalence, secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure, desire to quit smoking and training received to provide cessation counseling to patients was used. Statistical Analysis: Proportions and prevalence were computed using SUDAAN and SPSS 15.0. Results: Current cigarette smoking and other tobacco use ranged from 3.4-13.4% and 4.5-11.6% respectively, in the four health professional schools, with the highest numbers for medical schools and males. Enforcement of smoking ban in medical schools was low (53%) compared to nursing (86.4%), pharmacy (85.5%), and dental (90.8%) schools. Ninety percent students thought health professionals have a role in giving smoking cessation advice to their patients. Three out of five current smokers wanted to quit. However, one out of two reported receiving help/advice to quit. Although all expressed the need, 29.1-54.8% students received cessation training in their schools. Conclusion: Tobacco control policy, cessation training and initiatives to help students quit smoking should be undertaken.

Determinants of exposure to second-hand smoke at home and outside the home among students aged 11-17 years: Results from the Mumbai Student Tobacco Survey 2010.

Background: While no level of exposure to Second-hand smoke (SHS) is free of risk, 37% of students from South-East Asia region were exposed to SHS. Aims: To estimate the prevalence of exposure to SHS and identify predictors of exposure to SHS at home and outside the home among 1,511 school students aged 11-17 years. Setting: The City of Mumbai. Study Design: This study used a two-stage cluster sampling design. Materials and Methods: Mumbai Student Tobacco Survey (MSTS) was a cross-sectional study, using anonymous self-administered structured questionnaire among students. The probability of schools being selected was proportional to the enrolment into grades 8 to 10. The study aimed to sample around 60 students from selected classes in each chosen school. Statistical Analysis: Proportions, 95% confidence interval and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were used. Results: About 79.9% students were aware about the current smoking ban at public places and 88.1% were knowledgeable about the deleterious influence of SHS on them. Overall, 16.5% of students were exposed to SHS at home, and 39.9% outside of the home. Students from families where at least one parent used tobacco were at the greatest risk of SHS exposure at home in addition to outside the home exposure. Those students who were not aware about the smoking ban in public places were at a significantly higher risk of SHS exposure outside the home. Conclusion: Self-reported tobacco use status, age, parents' tobacco use, close friends' smoking, and the route they take to school were significant determinants of exposure to SHS at home and outside the home.

Tobacco use, exposure to second-hand smoke, and cessation training among the third-year medical and dental students in selected Member States of South-East Asia region: A trend analysis on data from the Global Health Professions Student Survey, 2005-2011.

Background: The Medical and Dental Global Health Professions Student Surveys (GHPSS) are surveys based in schools that collect self-administered data from students on the prevalence of tobacco use, exposure to second-hand smoke, and tobacco cessation training, among the third-year medical and dental students. Materials and Methods: Two rounds of medical and dental GHPSS have been conducted in Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, among the third-year medical and dental students, between 2005 and 2006 and 2009 and 2011. Results: The prevalence of any tobacco use among third-year male and female medical students did not change in Bangladesh, India, and Nepal between 2005 and 2006 and 2009 and 2011; however, it reduced significantly among females in Myanmar (3.3% in 2006 to 1.8% in 2009) and in Sri Lanka (2.5% in 2006 to 0.6% in 2011). The prevalence of any tobacco use among third-year male dental students did not change in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Thailand between 2005 and 2006 and 2009 and 2011; however, in Myanmar, the prevalence increased significantly (35.6% in 2006 to 49.5% in 2009). Among the third-year female students, a significant increase in prevalence was noticed in Bangladesh (4.0% in 2005 to 22.2% in 2009) and Thailand (0.7% in 2006 to 2.1% in 2011). It remained unchanged in the other three countries. Prevalence of exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) both at home and in public places, among medical students, decreased significantly in Myanmar and Sri Lanka between 2006 and 2009 and in 2011. Among dental students, the prevalence of SHS exposure at home reduced significantly in Bangladesh, India, and Myanmar, and in public places in India. However, there was an increase of SHS exposure among dental students in Nepal, both at home and in public places, between 2005 and 2011. Medical students in Myanmar, Nepal, and Sri Lanka reported a declining trend in schools, with a smoking ban policy in place, between 2005 and 2006 and 2009 and 2011, while proportions of dental students reported that schools with a smoking ban policy have increased significantly in Bangladesh and Myanmar. Ever receiving cessation training increased significantly among medical students in Sri Lanka only, whereas, among dental students, it increased in India, Nepal, and Thailand. Conclusion: Trends of tobacco use and exposure to SHS among medical and dental students in most countries of the South-East Asia Region had changed only relatively between the two rounds of GHPSS (2005-2006 and 2009-2011). No significant improvement was observed in the trend in schools with a policy banning smoking in school buildings and clinics. Almost all countries in the SEA Region that participated in GHPSS showed no significant change in ever having received formal training on tobacco cessation among medical and dental students.

Best practices in tobacco control in the South-East Asia Region.

The tobacco epidemic is an increasing threat to public health with the tobacco burden particularly high in WHO's South-East Asia Region (SEAR). The Region has many obstacles to tobacco control, but despite these challenges, significant progress has been made in many countries. Although much work still needs to be done, SEAR countries have nevertheless implemented strong and often innovative tobacco control measures that can be classified as "best practices," with some setting global precedents. The best practice measures implemented in SEAR include bans on gutka, reducing tobacco imagery in movies, and warning about the dangers of tobacco. In a time of scarce resources, countries in SEAR and elsewhere must ensure that the most effective and cost-efficient measures are implemented. It is hoped that countries can learn from these examples and as appropriate, adapt these measures to their own specific cultural, social and political realities.