Resumen

FRAGA, Sílvia et al. Tobacco comsumption in Portugal . Arq Med [online]. 2005, vol.19, n.5-6, pp.207-229. ISSN 2183-2447.

The effects of tobacco smoking on health are well documented, and smoking is the modifiable risk factor to which a larger number of deaths is attributed. Portugal is placed in an earlier stage of the tobacco epidemic than most developed countries. However, there are diferences in the cigarette consumption across regions within Portugal, with higher prevalence of smoking observed in the urban areas, and the trends in consumption are also heterogeneous, with a small decrease in males and an increase in females. The latter allows us to foresee an increase in the frequency of tobacco-related effects on the reproductive function and pregnancy outcomes, in addition to the effects of smoking that are common to both genders. The prevalence of smoking is pregnant women is high, asking for strong measures to tackle the tobacco consumption in this population. Smoking habits are frequently initiated during adolescence, and the efforts to prevent tobacco consumption are especially important in this age-group. The high prevalence of smoking among teachers and health professionals, namely in doctors and nurses, deserves special attention due to their role as models to other elements of the society. The Portuguese law regarding smoking prevention is restrictive, and it is necessary to ensure that it is respected. The regular monitoring of smoking habits in Portugal is needed, including representative samples of the population from the continental territory and from the Autonomous Regions, allowing the analysis of data stratified by sociodemographic and economical factors, and also focusing adolescents, pregnant women, and health professionals.

Palabras clave : smoking; portugal; legislation; prevention.

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