Tobacco, Equity and Primary Health Care

Abstract

Background: Antitobacco campaigns in industrialized countries (USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Sweden, Finland, Australia) have been less effective FOR low socia classes, except for Australia. In order to attain further reductions of tobacco consumption, these countries have to pay attention to tobacco use amongst people of low socioeconomic status. This paper seeks to analyze the causes of it to summarize relevant lessons for our own countly. Methods: Literature review in relation to tobacco consumption, social status, mediating variables between these two elements. and variery of possible interventions. Results: Low social classes bear higher tensions, more compelling economic, familiar, affective and social relations problems, with a lower capability to adapt, neutralize or change their situation; therefore making their emotional dependence on tobacco, stronger. Family phisician’s intervention and community participation appear; as the recommended alternatives to mass-media public campaings. Conclusions: These two interventions should be fostered through the national Primluy Health Care Network. as a complement to public campaigns. to guarantee in equity in reducing tobacco consumption and its consequences.