Low-intensity daily smoking and mortality risk among Mexican women

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between low-intensity smoking (10 or less cigarettes per day) and all-cause and cause-specific mortality risk among women who smoke and by age at cessation among women who previously smoked.

METHODS

In this study, 104 717 female participants of the Mexican Teachers' Cohort Study were categorised according to self-reported smoking status at baseline (2006/2008) and were followed for mortality through 2019. We estimated HRs and 95% CIs for all-cause and cause-specific mortality using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models with age as the underlying time metric.

RESULTS

Smoking as few as one to two cigarettes per day was associated with higher mortality risk for all causes (HR: 1.36; 95% CI 1.10 to 1.67) and all cancers (HR: 1.46; 95% CI 1.05 to 2.02), compared with never smoking. Similarly, slightly higher HRs were observed among participants smoking ≥3 cigarettes per day (all causes HR: 1.43; 95% CI 1.19 to 1.70; all cancers HR: 1.48; 95% CI 1.10 to 1.97; cardiovascular disease HR: 1.58; 95% CI 1.09 to 2.28).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large study of Mexican women, low-intensity smoking was associated with higher mortality risk for all causes and all cancers. Interventions are needed to promote cessation among women who smoke at low-intensity in Mexico, regardless of how few cigarettes they smoke per day.

[Prevalence, proportion and correlates of flavorcapsule cigarette use in Mexico: results fromthe Ensanut 2018-19]

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of flavor capsule cigarette, use among Mexicans who are 10 years and older, to determine the proportion of smokers who use flavor capsules, and to characterize the sociodemographic correlates of flavor capsule cigarette use.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data came from the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2018-19. The prevalence and proportion of flavor capsule cigarette use were estimated by sex, age, education, and wealth. Poisson models were used to evaluate sociodemographic factors as-sociated with flavor capsule cigarette use.

RESULTS

Among Mexicans,the prevalence of flavor capsule cigarettes use was 6.6%, which is 43% of all smokers. Women, adolescents, and young adults were more likely than other groups to use flavor capsule cigarettes.

CONCLUSIONS

Mexicans report a high prevalence of flavor capsule cigarette use. Banning cigarettes with flavors may reduce the appeal of smoking, particularly for youth and women.

Smoking trends in Mexico, 2002-2016: before and after the ratification of the WHO's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

INTRODUCTION

Mexico was the first Latin American country to ratify the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2004, after which it implemented some key FCTC policies (e.g., taxes, smoke-free, pictorial warnings and ad bans). This study assessed trends in the prevalence of current, daily and non-daily smoking in Mexico before and after the implementation of key FCTC policies.

METHODS

Data were analysed from two comparable, nationally representative surveys (i.e., the National Survey on Addictions 2002, 2011 and 2016, and the Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2009 and 2015). The pooled sample comprised 100 302 persons aged 15-65 years. Changes in the prevalence of current, daily and non-daily smoking were assessed.

RESULTS

From 2002 to 2016, the prevalence of current smoking fell 11% in relative terms (from 21.5% to 19.0%). The decrease was registered between 2002 and 2009, and after that, a slight increase was observed (from 16.5% in 2009 to 19% in 2016). The prevalence of daily smoking decreased by about 50% between 2002 and 2016 (from 13.5% to 7.0%) with most of the decrease occurring by 2009. Conversely, the prevalence of non-daily smoking increased by 35% between 2009 and 2016 (from 8.8% to 11.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Full implementation of the FCTC is necessary to further reduce smoking. Specific interventions may be needed to target non-daily smokers, who now comprise more than half of current smokers in Mexico.

[Correlates of secondhand smoke exposure in public and private settings in Mexico. Encodat 2016.]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the correlates of secondhand smoke exposure (SHS) in public and private settings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data came from the 2016 National Survey of Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco use. Multilevel Poisson models were conducted to evaluate factors associated with SHS.

RESULTS

Having a higher education, being male and being a young adult were associated with higher SHS in bars and restaurants. Men had greater SHS at work, while women and adolescents had greater exposure at home. Adults older than 45 years had higher SHS on public transportation compared to adolescents between 12-17 years old.

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to SHS remains high and affects the population differentially. To reduce SHS, it is necessary to apply Article 8 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

Trends in cigarette brand preference among Mexican smokers: the rise of Pall Mall

OBJECTIVE

To analyse trends in cigarette brand preference among Mexican smokers during the implementation period of key WHO's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control recommendations.

METHODS

Data came from two nationally representative, comparable surveys, namely the Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2009 and 2015 and the National Survey on Addictions 2011 and 2016. Logistic models were used to estimate the adjusted prevalence of each brand purchased, as well as individual correlates of purchasing the single brand with a large growth over the study period. Multiple linear regressions were also employed to analyse cigarette prices across brands.

RESULTS

Six brand families accounted for about 90% of the cigarette market, with Marlboro clearly dominating all brands at 54%-61%. Only the share of Pall Mall brand, however, registered a rapid increase over the period-from 1% in 2009 to 14% in 2016. Women and younger smokers (15-24 years) were more likely to prefer Pall Mall over other brands. While the typical price segmentation between international (premium) brands and national (discount) brands was observed, the price of Pall Mall is within the range of the latter. Importantly, most varieties of this brand include flavour capsule varieties (FCVs).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that the strong campaign of brand migration, the pricing strategy and the aggressive introduction of FCVs expanded Pall Mall in the Mexican cigarette market. Therefore, better control policies of cigarette contents and taxes that reduce price differentials across brands should be encouraged to promote public health.

[Evaluation of physical and psychological dependence in Mexican adult smokers, Encodat 2016.]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the physical and psychological dependence to tobacco of Mexican smokers and its association with physical, psychological and social factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The 2016 National Alcohol and Tobacco Drug Consumption Survey (n=7 331) was analyzed using the Fagerström nicotine physical dependence scale (FTND) and the short scale of psychological dependence on tobacco (TAPDSc). Bivariate analyzes and generalized ordinal logistic regressions were performed to evaluate the associated factors.

RESULTS

82.3% of daily smokers and 98.8% of occasional smokers reported mild physical dependence, while 47.9 and 37.9% respectively reported moderate psychological dependence. The age of initiation of tobacco use, drug use, high alcohol consumption and high emotional distress were associated with high levels of psychological dependence in all smokers.

CONCLUSIONS

The exclusive use of FTND does not allow to adequately evaluate Mexican smokers. The physical and psychological dependence on tobacco should be assessed with independent and validated scales in this population.