SMOKING-HABITS AND VIEWS ON SMOKING IN TH E STYRIAN POPULATION - RESULTS OF A QUESTIONNAIRE ISSUED AT THE GRAZ AUTUMN FAIR

Cigarette smoking has been identified as a major risk factor for cardi ovascular diseases apart from hypercholesterolemia and arterial hypert ension. Diseases of the respiratory system and several neoplasms as we ll as complications of pregnancy are considered to be ''smoking-relate d'', too. In order to survey the smoking habits and views on smoking i n the Styrian population, a questionnaire was issued to 1034 visitors of the Graz Autumn Fair 1992. Pleasure proved to be the main motivatio n for smoking both in men and in women, habit, addiction, stress and b oredom being further motivations. Not only non-smokers, but also smoke rs were assessed to be aware of smoking being a health hazard. Prohibi tion of tobacco advertising was accepted most widely as a mean of anti -smoking campaign. About half the non-smoking are exposed to environme ntal tobacco smoke, at place of work more frequently than at home. Per centage of smokers differs with age and job classes, however, no geogr aphical variations were: found. Further anti-smoking measures should b e considered. Smoking restrictions at place of work and in public coul d prevent passive smoking. Ban on advertising seems to be the most eff ective anti-smoking campaign.