The prevalence of smoking and gender differences according to the data of the national health screening program in 2010-2018 in Hungary

Abstract

Introduction: The harmful effects represent an important public health problem in tha world. Aim: Our aim is to report and compare the results of screenings performed in Hungary's Comprehensive Health Screening Program 2010-2020-2030 (MÁESZ) with international data. Method: During the 9-year continuous screening, we analyzed the data of 71 922 women and 60 934 men in the 18-80-year-old population and examined the occurrence of regular daily smokers. Data were collected with the help of special screening data sheets. Results: 24.4% of males and 24.2% of females smoked regularly during the 9-year screening period. Between 2012 and 2015, smoking prevalence showed a temporary significant decline, then, from 2016, it started to increase again. The downturn coincided with the opening of national tobacco stores. In men, the proportion of smokers was significantly higher in young adults (18-25 years) than in women. Later in life, the difference leveled off and even between 46-55 years, the prevalence of smoking was greater in women. There is a difference in smoking patterns between the two genders, which is probably related to marriage and motherhood in women. After 56 years, the proportion of smokers in both genders decreased rapidly. The prevalence of smoking in Hungary in all age groups significantly exceeds the European and world average. Transient increases in middle-aged women have also been reported in European surveys. Conclusion: Compared to 2010, the proportion of smokers has decreased in Hungary, but a new surge observed after 2015 is not a positive phenomenon. We find the high proportion of smoking women worrying.