Tracking MPOWER across Asian countries – results from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey, 2008-2011
METHODS: GATS is a nationally representative household survey of adults aged 15 years and older chosen through a stratified multistage cluster sampling approach. It includes measures of WHO MPOWER indicators and has a standard and consistent protocol allowing for cross-country comparisons. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 17 and Sudaan version 10. GATS has been conducted in 8 countries in Asia, and we selected one key indicator to represent each of the six MPOWER measures and compared findings across the continent.
RESULTS: GATS results show that smoking rates ranged from 14.0% in India to 34.8% in Indonesia. Secondhand smoke exposure varied greatly by indoor public place; generally exposure was highest in bars/nightclubs and lowest in healthcare facilities. The Philippines reported the highest proportion of smokers who were advised to quit smoking by healthcare professionals (76.5%), while only 26.7% of smokers in India were advised to quit. Point-of-sale tobacco advertisement exposure rates ranged from 4.1% in China to 53.7% in the Philippines. The percentage of smokers who thought about quitting because of health warning labels on cigarette packages was lowest in Indonesia (27.1%) and highest in Bangladesh (74.4%).
CONCLUSIONS: As tobacco use continues to be a leading cause of preventable death, there is a demonstrated need for the continued monitoring of tobacco use behaviors and control policies. GATS provides key data for monitoring the implementation and impact of MPOWER interventions.