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Estimates of global and regional smoking prevalence in 1995, by age and sex

Authors :
Jha, Prabhat
Ranson, M. Kent
Nguyen, Son N.
Yach, Derek
Source :
The American Journal of Public Health. June, 2002, Vol. 92 Issue 6, p1002, 5 p.
Publication Year :
2002

Abstract

Objectives. We calculated regional and sex- and age-specific smoking prevalence estimates worldwide in 1995. Methods. Sex-specific smoking prevalence data from studies in 139 countries and age distribution data from 7 studies were analyzed. Results. Globally, 29% of persons aged 15 years or older were regular smokers in 1995. Four fifths of the world's 1.1 billion smokers lived in low- or middle-income countries. East Asian countries accounted for a disproportionately high percentage (38%) of the world's smokers. Males accounted for four fifths of all smokers, and prevalence among males and females was highest among those aged 30 to 49 years (34%). Conclusions. Future decades will see dramatic increases in tobacco-attributable deaths in low- and middle-income regions. Although much of this excess mortality can be prevented if smokers stop smoking, quitting remains rare in low- and middle-income countries.

Details

ISSN :
00900036
Volume :
92
Issue :
6
Database :
Gale General OneFile
Journal :
The American Journal of Public Health
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsgcl.87011456