[Evaluation on the effects of community-based anti-smoking intervention]

Abstract

To explore effective antismoking intervention measures, measures including flyers and booklets as major mass media, school-based health education and follow-up to smokers were carried out in Beijing, Shanghai and Changsha urban communities. The changes of smoking behavior in population were evaluated by quasi-trial designation. Results showed that smoking rates in adult male, female and both genders decreased by 5.54%, 2.61% and 2.94% respectively and were statistically significant in intervention community. Compared with control community, the net decrease of smoking rates in adult male, female and both were 4.90%, 3.37% and 3.51% respectively. The net increase of quitting rates in adult male, female and both were 4.35%, 17.19% and 6.30% respectively. The net changes in female and in both genders of smoking and quitting were all statistically significant. It was suggested that comprehensive intervention measure with health education as the core might be the priority for the effective community-based antismoking activity. The policy-making and behavior encouraging activities should be focused.