| Summary: | Introduction
Ukraine ranks 17th in the list of leading countries in the number of smokers. Our objective was to evaluate the epidemiology of the spread of tobacco in Ukraine.
Material and Methods
Statistical analysis and sample surveys available in Ukraine were used as the data source.
Results and Discussion
According to the national statistics report in 2018, the population of Ukraine had 5.96 million smokers. The prevalence of smoking among the Ukrainian population aged ≥12 years in 2018 was 17.9%, which is 4% less than in 2017. The prevalence of smoking in rural areas has declined to a greater extent (16% in 2018), while 18.9% of respondents have smoked in cities. The decrease in the prevalence of daily smoking in 2018 was recorded in adult men: from 38% in 2017 to 36% in 2018, and the prevalence of smoking in women has not changed (5%). Among youth, 45% of boys and 35% of girls smoke; 68% of smokers say they are interested in quitting smoking, and of those who have ever smoked daily, 26% are already former smokers. In general, smoking prevalence in the Ukraine has decreased from 25.6% to 17.9% over the last ten years (2008–2018). The number of female smokers has fallen more than a third (17% to 5%). A major factor in the reduction of the prevalence of smoking in 2018 was the decrease in the affordability of cigarettes. However, in order to reduce the prevalence of smoking among all sectors of the population, it is necessary to strengthen tax policy through legislative and administrative measures. Such comprehensive measures are proposed in draft laws No. 2820 and No. 4030a, designed in accordance with current European Union rules.
Conclusion
Statistical analysis has shown that smoking is a major socio-economic problem in the Ukraine that requires a proper assessment of counteracting measures. Ukraine’s experience demonstrates that the comprehensive implementation of all tobacco control measures can reduce the prevalence of smoking and the number of tobacco-related diseases and deaths.
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