National

State-specific secondhand smoke exposure and current cigarette smoking among adults --- United States, 2008
An analysis of 2008 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data from eleven states and the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) shows wide variation among states in adult smoking prevalence and secondhand smoke exposure in indoor workplaces and homes. Smoking prevalence was highest in West Virginia, Indiana, and Kentucky and lowest in Utah, California, and New Jersey. The proportion of adults who reported having a smoke-free rule at home ranged from 68.8% in West Virginia to 85.7% in the USVI; the percentage of respondents reporting secondhand smoke exposure at indoor workplaces ranged from 6.0% in Tennessee to 17.3% in the USVI. Click here to read the report, published in the CDC’s MMWR Weekly (11/13/09).

Cigarette smoking among adults and trends in smoking cessation --- United States, 2008
Data from the 2008 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) indicate that the proportion of U.S. adults who were current cigarette smokers did not change significantly from 2007 to 2008 (19.8% to 20.6%). Adults age 25 or older with low levels of education had the highest prevalence of smoking (41.3% among those with a GED, and 27.5% of those never completing high school), and the lowest quit ratio (39.9% for those with a GED). Click here to read the report, published in the CDC’s MMWR Weekly or here to read an article describing the findings. Click here to read a press release from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, which calls for the enactment of policies to promote smoking cessation at the state and federal level.

The content of cigarette counter-advertising: Are perceived functions of smoking addressed?
Researchers analyzed the content of 487 advertisements to determine the target audiences and themes used to discourage smoking, and how they have changed from 1998-1999 to 2000-2003. Ads directed toward pregnant women and parents have decreased, while youth prevention ads focusing on social functions of smoking and tobacco industry deception have increased. None of the ads respond to the perceived benefits or functions of smoking such as stress relief, mood regulation, and weight loss. Prior research has demonstrated that appeals matching the function of the behavior are most effective, so the existing advertisements may be irrelevant to some smokers. Click here to read the abstract from the Journal of Health Communication.

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International

The global tobacco economy: A snapshot of the economies of multinational tobacco companies and of international tobacco control efforts in 2008
A new report from Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada describes the globalization of the tobacco industry, and the beginnings of an international tobacco control effort through the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). The report indicates that while tobacco industry money flows trans-nationally, tobacco prevention and control money generally does not cross international borders. Click here to download the report.

Tomorrow’s regular customers? Stamping out tobacco use in the Middle East and Africa
Research presented in The Economist examines problems associated with tobacco use and control in developing countries, where the world’s share of smokers has risen drastically. The paper focuses on several topics in the Middle East and Africa: youth smoking, usage of water pipes, weak government anti-tobacco policies and enforcement, and the influence of NGOs.  The paper also highlights the need for more data collection to evaluate the effects of awareness campaigns, acceptance, and enforcement of tobacco control efforts. Click here to read the report.

Experts fear Africa "pandemic" from rise in smoking
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), if current smoking trends continue, tobacco use will double in much of Africa over the next twelve years, placing the continent at risk for a massive surge in cancer deaths unless action is taken. The ACS is recommending that African governments implement anti-smoking legislation, such as smoking bans and cigarette taxes, as cost-effective interventions that will prevent future deaths from cancer. The report was presented at the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) 2009 Conference in Tanzania; click here to read more.

Men's smoking rate in Japan at record-low 36.8% (Japan)
The smoking prevalence in Japan has decreased from 27.7% to 21.8% in the past five years. The prevalence among men is a record low since 1986 (when smoking surveys started in Japan) at 36.8%; the rate among women is 9.1%, dipping below 10% for the first time since 2001. The drop is thought to be due to increased health consciousness and restrictions on purchasing cigarettes in vending machines. Click here to read more.

First release of Global Adult Tobacco Survey results (Thailand)
In November, Thailand became the first country to release its final results from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), a standard global survey that tracks tobacco use, exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke, and tobacco control measures. The Thailand survey data showed that 27.2% of Thai adults are current tobacco users, with six in ten considering quitting. Thirty-nine percent of adults are exposed to tobacco smoke in their homes, and 27.2% of workers are exposed to tobacco smoke at work. Thirteen other countries are participating in GATS. The data will influence tobacco prevention and control policies and programs. Click here for the CDC’s Media Statement, or click here for a new fact sheet on GATS in Thailand. Click here for more information about GATS.

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