Smoking and passive smoking in Estonia, Lithuania and Finland. Identifying target groups of tobacco policy.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to identify population groups which are the most crucial as targets for anti-tobacco action.


METHODS
A comparison was made of the prevalence and patterns of smoking and passive smoking in Estonia, Finland and Lithuania.


RESULTS
Total exposure to smoking, both one's own and passive smoking, was more common in two Baltic countries than in Finland. In these Baltic countries passive smoking was notably common among women. In all countries the exposure was more prevalent among the younger and less educated, but no difference emerged between urban and rural areas.


CONCLUSIONS
The following target groups were identified as priorities for anti-tobacco actions: i) men of all ages in Estonia and Lithuania to stop their already established tobacco use, ii) young women in all three countries to prevent their starting a career of tobacco use and iii) young and less educated women in Estonia and Lithuania to prevent passive smoking, i.e. their exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.
Helasoja
V
V
National Public Health Institute, Department of Epidemiology and Health Promotion, Mannerheimintie 166, 00300 Helsinki, Finland. vheh@ktl.fl
Prättälä
R
R
Klumbiene
J
J
Petkeviciene
J
J
Kasmel
A
A
Lipand
A
A
Uutela
A
A
Puska
P
P
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D004957:Estonia / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008097:Lithuania / Q000453:epidemiology; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014507:Urbanization
D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution