Smoking habits among adult population in Nyíregyháza

Abstract

Introduction: Smoking is responsible for almost 6 million deaths every year worldwide, among which 600,000 individuals had been exposed to SHS (second-hand smoke). According to the report of the Tobacco Atlas, 942 million males, 175 million females (>15yr) smoked on a daily basis in 2018. In Hungary, tobacco use is a public health and a national economic challenge also. It is a high-risk factor in the pathogenesis of oncological and chronic diseases. Smoking-related diseases are the second leading cause of deaths in thecountry. The aim of this study is to represent the population’s (>18yr) smoking habits in Nyíregyháza, based on the data from the research called “ Quality of life of Nyíregyháza –Household Panel”.
Methods: The survey was conducted in 2017/2018 among residents of Nyíregyháza who were 18 years of age or over.
Results: 26% of the adult population in Nyíregyháza, represented in the research, is considered regular smoker. Distribution by age groups shows that young and middle aged adults represent the majority of smokers (18-34: 35,2%, 34-64: 24,9%). People over the age of 65 are less likely to smoke (19,2%). The age group of 18-34 is also the most likely to be exposed to secondhand smoke, 7,9% of respondents of this group spend over 5 hours per day in a passive smoker environment. Based on this study we can not conclude that academic background or unemployment are risk factors in terms of smoking.
Conclusion: The development of the primary care’s preventive services will have a positive effect on the health status of Nyíregyháza’s population. Smoking cessation programs are expected to result in the most significant change, even more so than other health development programs. The relevant health professional guidelines make recommendations for all health workers. In order to achieve the desired outcome, the skills and competencies, required by these plans of actions, need to be embedded in the education of public health professionals.