Smoking prevalence and tobacco control measures in Kenya, Uganda, the Gambia and Liberia: a review.
BACKGROUND
Smoking prevalence is increasing in developing countries. These resource-poor countries will have to battle tobacco-related diseases before they have eliminated common communicable diseases.


METHODS
We conducted a computerised search of PubMed to identify published estimates of smoking prevalence in Kenya, the Gambia, Uganda and Liberia. We also reviewed tobacco control measures in each country using information provided by the respective health departments.


RESULTS
We noted a high prevalence of smoking in Kenya, Uganda and the Gambia. There were no published data on tobacco use prevalence for Liberia. Tobacco control measures were inadequate.


CONCLUSIONS
Standardised prevalence studies involving general populations should be conducted. Tobacco control efforts need to be reinforced.
Nturibi
E M
EM
Kenya Association for Prevention of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (KAPTLD), Nairobi, Kenya. mugambi@kma.co.ke
Akinsola
A K
AK
Kolawole
A A
AA
McCurdy
S A
SA
D003906:Developing Countries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005714:Gambia / Q000453:epidemiology; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D007630:Kenya / Q000453:epidemiology; D007988:Liberia / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D015980:Public Health Practice; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods*; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D014454:Uganda / Q000453:epidemiology; D014026:Nicotiana