[Regional and social disparities in tobacco use in the 2009 Microcensus: results in the population of North Rhine-Westphalia and its communities].

INTRODUCTION

Tobacco smoking is the single greatest cause of avoidable morbidity and mortality. The official Microcensus is one of the most important sources of systematic reporting about smoking in Germany.

METHODS

The selection rate of the random sample survey was 1% of the population in the 2009 Microcensus in North Rhine-Westphalia. Most of the information was given under statutory obligations. Providing health information in the health supplementary programme was optional with response of about four-fifths of the interviewees.

RESULTS

According to the 2009 Microcensus regional file, 37% of the men and 28% of the women of employable age (15-64 years) are smokers in North Rhine-Westphalia (N=9 219 thousand). Tobacco smoking prevalence is associated with influencing social factors. The probability of current smoking rises with the decrease of the socioeconomic status and the level of education. Job-seekers have a significantly elevated odds ratio for smoking, the chance of quitting smoking is minimised. The analyses show that the percentages of smokers and ex-smokers varied widely between the communities in North Rhine-Westphalia. The prevalence of current tobacco smoking increases highly in the communities with rates of inhabitants who receive government financial aid or unemployment benefits to secure their basic livelihood.

CONCLUSION

The Microcensus reveals distinct disparities in adult smoking prevalence between the regions and additionally strong social disparities in adult smoking prevalence. The nicotine addiction accelerates health inequalities. The Microcensus may have potential for monitoring tobacco use in Germany and in the regions and communities and for evaluating the effectiveness of tobacco control programmes over time. The Microcensus analyses can be used for the development of primary and secondary tobacco prevention strategies.