2012-12-31-世界卫生组织-2013_GATS_Country_Report_Panama_246页_5mb

Summary of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) in Panama 2013

Core Content

The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) in Panama 2013 was a comprehensive national survey conducted to assess the prevalence and patterns of tobacco use among adults aged 15 years or older. The survey was implemented by the Ministry of Health, the Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, and the National Institute of Statistics and Census, with technical support from international partners such as the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The survey aimed to provide a baseline for tobacco use and control policies, support global comparisons, and develop analytic profiles to understand the health and economic impacts of smoking. It also served to evaluate the enforcement of tobacco control regulations and the extent of secondhand smoke exposure in the population.

Main Points

• Implementation and Funding:
  The GATS Panama 2013 was the first of its kind in the country and was funded by the Ministry of Economy and Finance's Pre-Investment Fund. It was conducted using standardized international protocols to ensure comparability with other GATS countries.

• Key Stakeholders:
  The survey was coordinated by the National Coordination Team, with input from various experts and institutions, including the Ministry of Health, Gorgas Memorial Institute, and the Comptroller General of the Republic.

• International Collaboration:
  The survey was supported by PAHO/WHO and CDC, which provided technical and financial assistance. The CDC Foundation and RTI International also contributed through financial and technological support, respectively.

• Legislative Context:
  Panama has implemented strong tobacco control measures, including a 100% excise tax on tobacco products and the prohibition of tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship. These policies have contributed to a significant reduction in tobacco use, with a national prevalence of 6.4% (9.7% among men and 3.1% among women) in 2013.

• Public Health Implications:
  The survey highlights the importance of continued tobacco control efforts, especially in combating the illicit tobacco trade and secondhand smoke exposure. It also underscores the role of legislation in reducing tobacco consumption and its associated health and economic burdens.

Key Information

• Survey Objectives:
  The survey aimed to evaluate tobacco use patterns, cessation behaviors, exposure to secondhand smoke, and the tobacco economy in Panama. It also focused on the impact of media and public health messaging on tobacco-related knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions.

• Methodology:
  The survey followed a rigorous methodology, including a well-designed sampling plan, a standardized questionnaire, and a pilot test. Data was collected by trained field teams and stored using secure IT systems. The results were analyzed using statistical methods, and sampling errors were calculated to ensure the reliability of the findings.

• Data Collection and Analysis:
  The survey included data on:

  • Smoking status (current, former, never smoked)
  • Types of tobacco products used
  • Smoking frequency and patterns
  • Cessation attempts and methods
  • Exposure to secondhand smoke in different environments (work, home, public)
  • Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about tobacco use
  • Economic aspects of tobacco consumption, including average monthly expenses and illegal purchasing behavior

• Key Findings:

  • Panama has one of the lowest adult tobacco use prevalence rates globally, at 6.4%.
  • The prevalence among men is 9.7%, and among women is 3.1%.
  • The country has implemented comprehensive tobacco control policies, including the ban on tobacco advertising and the establishment of 100% tobacco-free zones.
  • There is still a need to address the illicit sale of tobacco products, particularly in low-income areas.

Structure and Components

• Chapters:
  The report includes 10 chapters, covering:

  • Introduction and socio-demographic characteristics
  • Illnesses and deaths related to tobacco use
  • Tobacco control policies and national legislation
  • Civil society participation
  • Objectives of the survey
  • Methodology (including sampling, questionnaire design, data collection, and analysis)
  • Tobacco use patterns
  • Cessation behaviors
  • Exposure to secondhand smoke
  • Tobacco economy and media
  • Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions
  • Conclusions and recommendations

• Annexes:
  The report includes several annexes with additional data and supporting documents, such as:

  • Tables and figures with detailed statistical information
  • Sampling plan and methodology
  • National legislation and health warnings
  • MPOWER indicators and sampling errors
  • Questionnaire and glossary

Acknowledgements

The success of the GATS Panama 2013 was attributed to the dedication of the field teams, regional drivers, supervisors, and interviewers. The collaboration with international partners like PAHO/WHO and CDC was also recognized for its contribution to the survey's design, implementation, and analysis.

Conclusion

The GATS Panama 2013 provided essential data for public health decision-making, policy development, and international benchmarking. It confirmed Panama's strong tobacco control policies and highlighted areas for further improvement, particularly in the enforcement of regulations against the illicit tobacco trade. The results are publicly accessible and will support ongoing efforts to combat tobacco use and its health and economic consequences.