Antismoking activity in Novosibirsk.

Abstract

The prevalence of smoking is very high and growing in Siberia. Three population surveys carried out by the Institute of Internal medicine within the framework of the MONICA project (WHO) during 1988-1995 revealed that 59% of the men and 11% of the women aged 25-64 are smokers (2). The number of smokers among children is also growing: 21% of girls and 40% of boys aged 14-17 are smokers (1). Tobacco product advertising is widespread in the city. Cheap cigarettes of bad quality are easily available for the population. The economic situation in the region makes it difficult for people to pay for specialised treatment. That is why new methods of smoking prevention should be found. The main components of our work are: involving local decision-makers in the activity, educating the population, work with mass media, epidemiological studies, international Quit & Win campaigns.