Type | Journal Article - Preventing chronic disease |
Title | Peer Reviewed: Tobacco Smoking in Islands of the Pacific Region, 2001—2013 |
Author(s) | |
Volume | 12 |
Publication (Day/Month/Year) | 2015 |
Publisher | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
URL | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4675401/ |
Abstract | We provide an overview of tobacco smoking patterns in Pacific island countries and territories to facilitate monitoring progress toward the goal of a Tobacco-Free Pacific by 2025. We examined data from 4 surveys conducted in the region between 2001 and 2013, including the STEPwise approach to surveillance for adults (25?64 years); the Global School-Based Student Health Survey and the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (students 13?15 years); and the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (grade 9?12 students) in United States affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPIs). Adult smoking prevalence ranged from less than 5% of women in Vanuatu to almost 75% of men in Kiribati. Smoking prevalence among students (13?15 years) ranged between 5.6% and 52.1%. There were declines in smoking among youths in many USAPIs. To achieve the tobacco-free goal and reduce disease burden, accelerated action is needed to align national legislation with international agreements and build capacity for tobacco control at all levels. |