Tobacco control and the role of the medical community in the Slovak Republic.
The Slovak Republic (SR) is located in central Europe and has a population of about 5.4 million. Epidemiological data indicate that trends in smoking prevalence and incidence of lung cancer have not shown any tendency to decrease in the SR. Surveys of Martin residents and of medical students at Comenius University provided important data on many aspects of cigarette smoking and tobacco dependence and served as a basis for planning and implementing focused tobacco control activities at the regional and national levels. The activities were focused not only on the Slovak public but also the medical community. With assistance from international organizations, Slovak doctors are learning to take direct responsibility for treatment and prevention and also a public responsibility to influence governmental policies. As a result, tobacco control activities in the SR enjoy collaboration between different agencies, community participation and personal involvement of health professionals.
Kavcová
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Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University Martin Faculty Hospital, Martin, Slovak Republic.
Kocan
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Squier
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D010819:Physician's Role; D018154:Slovakia / Q000453:epidemiology; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D000074606:Smoking Prevention