International Union for Circumpolar Health Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of RF Russian Academy of Medical Sciences Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Medical Sciences Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences Medical Polar Fund “Science” The Northern Forum

Abstracts

Alcohol, smoking, and drug abuse

Introduction: Increase of smoking in Russia is caused by many factors: dramatic unexpected economic and social changes, stress, reformation of public health system, wide choice of imported tobacco products etc. In Novosibirsk smoking is wide spread in men (about 60%) and is growing in women and youth.

Methods: Novosibirsk has been participating in International “Quit & Win” campaigns (initiated by WHO) since 1994. In Novosibirsk these campaigns are conducted by the Institute of Internal Medicine. The aim is to support people who want to quit smoking, to draw society’s attention to the problem, to decrease CVD risk by reducing the number of smokers. The registered participants of “Quit & Win” are regularly interviewed (ran-dom sample, 1-year follow-up) by phone or written questionnaire. In follow-up study we analysed some factors including marital status, education, motivation of participation.

Results: When compared the tendencies are clearly seen: the prize was the motivation for 50% of registered participants in 1998 and only for 25% in 2004; illness was the reason to quit for 15% in 1998 and for 25% in 2004; smoking is harmful was said by 30% of participants in each campaign. Most of the participants who want to quit are married (about 75%). Family and friends’ support received 45% of participants in 1998 and about 85% in 2004. Regretfully, support of medical professionals received only 1,5% in 1998 and 8% in 2004. About 30% of participants have high education and about 8% have primary education, the rest have secondary or special professional education. To quit completely intended 35% of participants in 1998 and 92% in 2004 In 2002 failed to quit because of stress 40% of registered participants, due to addiction – 40% and smoking environment was provoking for 20%.

Conclusion: Mass antismoking campaigns are effective and inexpensive. Support of family members, mass media, friends and medical professionals is very important. Stress, smoking environment and nicotine dependence are the main causes of unsuccessful quitting. People having high education are more concerned about their health.

Note. Abstracts are published in author's edition

© 1996-2005, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk
Last update: 06-Jul-2012 (11:52:05)