Global Adult Tobacco Survey, 2012: Results of the First Implementation in Argentina

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) is the world standard to systematically monitor tobacco consumption and the main indicators for tobacco control. OBJECTIVE: To monitor tobacco epidemic in adults in Argentina with a standardized tool suggested by the World Health Organization. METHODS: A globally standardized methodology was used to gather information on tobacco use (smoking and smokeless), cessation, second-hand smoke (SHS), economics, media, and knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards tobacco use. A multi-stage stratified cluster sample design was used to produce representative data both at national and regional level. RESULTS: Tobacco smoking prevalence was 22.3%, with a higher rate in men (29.6%) than in women (15.7%). A total of 73.6% of the smokers had planned or was planning to quit, and 48.6% had made a quit attempt in the previous year. Among adults working in enclosed places 31.6% were exposed to SHS, and 33% were exposed at home. Besides, 75.8% obtained anti-cigarette smoking information on mass media, while 41.9% noticed advertising at cigarette stores. CONCLUSIONS: The survey allowed a better understanding of tobacco epidemic in Argentina and also a comparison with other countries in the world.