2011-12-31-世界卫生组织-2012_GATS_Country_Report_Argentina_142页_5mb

Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) Argentina 2012 Summary

Core Content

The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) Argentina 2012 was a comprehensive survey conducted by the Ministry of Health and the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INDEC) to assess tobacco use and related issues in the country. It was implemented between May and August 2012, and the results serve as a baseline for future analysis and policy development.

The survey aimed to understand tobacco use patterns, cessation attempts, exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS), economic aspects of tobacco consumption, media influence, and public knowledge and attitudes. It also provided data to support the implementation of tobacco control policies aligned with the WHO FCTC (Framework Convention on Tobacco Control) and the MPOWER policy package.

Main Points

1. Tobacco Use Prevalence

• In 2012, 22.3% of the population used tobacco.
• Men had a higher prevalence (29.6%) than women (15.7%).
• Smoking was the most common form of tobacco use (22.1%), with only 0.2% using other forms.
• Daily smokers accounted for 17.1%, and the average age of initiation was 16.2 years.
• The average daily cigarette consumption was 12.2, higher among men (13.1) and in the 50-64 age group (17.7).

2. Cessation Attempts

• 48.6% of current smokers had made a quit attempt in the previous 12 months.
• 89.9% of these attempts were made without assistance.
• Only 60.5% of respondents who consulted health care providers were advised to quit smoking.

3. Exposure to Secondhand Smoke

• 46.8% of the population reported exposure to SHS.
• 31.6% of workers were exposed in the workplace.
• 33% of respondents were exposed to SHS in the home.
• SHS exposure was highest in night clubs (86.2%), followed by universities (40.9%), government buildings (24.5%), restaurants (23.2%), and educational establishments (23.1%).
• Only 8.8% of respondents reported SHS exposure in health facilities.

4. Tobacco Economics

• 71.1% of current smokers purchased packs of 20 cigarettes.
• 16.2% used light, mild, or low-tar cigarettes (more common among older users).
• 7.5% used flavored cigarettes (more common among young people and women).
• The average cost of a pack of 20 cigarettes was $7.96 (ARS).
• The cost of 100 packs of manufactured cigarettes accounted for 1.5% of per capita GDP, making Argentina the country with the lowest relative cost of cigarettes in South America.
• Kiosks were the most common place for purchasing cigarettes (77.3%), followed by stores (13.4%).

5. Media and Public Awareness

• 75.8% of respondents had seen or heard information about the dangers of smoking or cessation in media outlets.
• 53.2% had seen health warnings on cigarette packs in the past 30 days.
• 60.9% had seen or heard cigarette advertisements in the past 30 days, mostly in businesses where cigarettes are sold.

6. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions

• 98.3% of respondents knew that smoking causes serious illness.
• 91% knew that tobacco use causes heart attacks.
• 86.6% believed that all types of cigarettes are equally harmful.
• Strong public support was found for the National Tobacco Control Law.

7. National Tobacco Control Law (Law 26.687)

• Enacted in 2011, this law mandates 100% smoke-free environments in public and private spaces.
• It includes bans on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship, except for in-store promotions.
• Pictorial health warnings and a cessation hotline (0800 222 1002) were established.
• The law also prohibits sales to minors, sales in educational and health facilities, and loose cigarette sales.

8. Subnational Legislation

• 15 provinces had 100% smoke-free environment laws in place.
• Numerous municipalities had similar ordinances, often enacted before the national law.
• These laws have contributed to reducing SHS exposure, hospitalizations for heart attacks, and respiratory symptoms among restaurant workers.

9. Historical Context

• Argentina has conducted multiple national surveys on tobacco use since 1999, including GYTS (Global Youth Tobacco Survey) and ENFR (National Survey of Risk Factors).
• These surveys revealed a decline in smoking prevalence over time, with a reduction of 700,000 smokers since 2009.

Key Information

• The GATS is part of the Global Tobacco Surveillance System (GTSS), which allows for international comparisons.
• The National Tobacco Control Program has been in place since 2003, and its implementation was strengthened in 2009 with the National Strategy for Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases.
• Argentina has not yet ratified the WHO FCTC, but has made significant progress in implementing tobacco control measures.
• Electronic cigarettes were prohibited in 2011 under Provision 3226/11.
• The GATS provided population-based indicators for monitoring tobacco control policies and MPOWER measures.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The GATS Argentina 2012 highlights the prevalence of tobacco use, the need for stronger enforcement of existing laws, and the importance of public awareness campaigns. It also underscores the positive impact of smoke-free legislation and the potential for reducing tobacco-related health and economic burdens.

Recommendations include:

• Strengthening the enforcement of the National Tobacco Control Law.
• Increasing public education on the dangers of tobacco.
• Expanding surveillance systems to monitor tobacco use and control.
• Promoting cessation services and healthier lifestyles.
• Encouraging intersectoral collaboration to address tobacco-related issues.