Prevalence and determinants of smoking in Belarus: A national household survey, 2000

A clear, up-to-date picture of smoking prevalence and its determinants is n eeded to inform the development of effective tobacco control policy in Bela rus and other parts of the former Soviet Union. It is particularly importan t in view of the way the tobacco industry has targeted this region since tr ansition. A nationally representative household survey designed to explore smoking behaviour and its determinants was undertaken in Belarus in April 2 000. Data were available on 1090 individuals aged 18 years and over (respon se rate 53.4%). Respondents were similar demographically to the population of Belarus. Fifty three percent of men and 9% of women are current smokers and an additional 18% and 7% respectively are ex-smokers. Differences in sm oking habits between successive generations were identified. These included a ninefold higher rate of ever-smoking amongst 18-29 years old women compa red with those aged over 60 years (p < 0.0001) and a higher proportion of c urrent smokers starting in childhood amongst those aged 18-29 years compare d with older smokers (p = 0.0005). Smoking in public places, particularly t he workplace where 65% smoke, is common. Smokers are more likely than non-s mokers to have positive beliefs about the health impact of active and passi ve smoking (p < 0.0001). Amongst women the odds of smoking is 13 times high er in those living in large cities compared with those living in villages. In men, disadvantage and a positive attitude to the west appear to increase the likelihood of smoking. To date policy responses have been inadequate. Unless effective tobacco control policies are introduced, tobacco will cont inue to make an increasingly large contribution to premature morbidity and mortality in Belarus.