The smoking rate of males in Japan is about 55% and that of females is about 12%. Several measures against tobacco issues should be carried out. A survey was performed to document actions taken by municipalities to decrease smoking rates. (Material and method) A questionnaire survey was performed in 3252 municipalities in Japan. (Results) 1782 municipalities sent back answers. Among these 256 municipalities (14.4%) had data on the smoking rates of the population. 116 municipalities (6.5%) were holding seminars to quit smoking. In one municipality, 5.6 seminars were held in a year and 269.9 participants annually. 99 municipalities (5.6%) planned to organize seminars in near future. Only 66 municipalities (4.0%) were holding seminars for young non-smokers to remain non-smokers. All municipalities had public activity or another about negative health effects about smoking. (Discussion) All municipalities recognize the importance of informing the population evil of smoking. However, only few municipalities were offering extensive programs of smoking cessation. To decrease smoking rates, it is necessary not only to diffuse information about negative health effects of smoking, but also to assist smoking cessation and to protect non-smoker from tobacco. (Conclusion) Municipalities in Japan should make more effort to decrease smoking rates.
Learning Objectives: The smoking rate of males in Japan is about 55% and that of females is about 12%. Several measures against tobacco issues should be carried out. A survey was performed to document actions taken by municipalities to decrease smoking rates. (Material and method) A questionnaire survey was performed in 3252 municipalities in Japan. (Results) 1782 municipalities sent back answers. Among these 256 municipalities (14.4%) had data on the smoking rates of the population. 116 municipalities (6.5%) were holding seminars to quit smoking. In one municipality, 5.6 seminars were held in a year and 269.9 participants annually. 99 municipalities (5.6%) planned to organize seminars in near future. Only 66 municipalities (4.0%) were holding seminars for young non-smokers to remain non-smokers. All municipalities had public activity or another about negative health effects about smoking. (Discussion) All municipalities recognize the importance of informing the population evil of smoking. However, only few municipalities were offering extensive programs of smoking cessation. To decrease smoking rates, it is necessary not only to diffuse information about negative health effects of smoking, but also to assist smoking cessation and to protect non-smoker from tobacco. (Conclusion) Municipalities in Japan should make more effort to decrease smoking rates
Keywords: Tobacco Control, Community Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.