Research led by the Tobacco Control Unit has analyzed the impact of tobacco control policies on the prevalence of consumption and quit rates in the European Union (EU), focusing on social inequalities.
The study, published in the journal BMJ Public Health , assesses the association between the degree of implementation of anti-smoking policies and the main indicators of smoking in 27 EU Member States, over 10 years, differentiating the results by income level. The results suggest that, despite advances in tobacco control in Europe, generalist policies may be favoring populations with more resources, leaving behind the most vulnerable groups .
Anti-smoking policies have been effective, but not for everyone
The research, titled “Impact of tobacco control policies on socioeconomic inequalities in smoking prevalence and quit ratios: an ecological study in the European Union (2009–2020)” , shows that countries with the strongest anti-smoking policies have seen a significant reduction in smoking prevalence and an increase in quit rates, especially among middle- and high-income populations. In contrast, the impact among people with low incomes has been much smaller or non-existent — in 2020, smoking prevalence was 40% in the low-income population, while it was 19% in the higher-income population.
Furthermore, the study shows gender differences: men have responded better to tobacco control policies than women, which points to the need for specific strategies with a gender perspective.
Equitable measures aimed at vulnerable groups
The researchers warn that this situation puts at risk the achievement of the European objective of a “tobacco-free generation” by 2040, especially if specific measures are not taken to reduce social and gender inequalities in tobacco consumption. In this sense, they argue that it is necessary to implement equitable measures targeted at vulnerable groups , such as free or subsidized cessation services, specific programs for women, economic incentives, and policies that address the social determinants of health.
They also consider it essential to urgently incorporate an equity and gender perspective into the revision of the European Tobacco Products Directive and other future legislative actions.