The article reviews the results of the four-year monitoring of public awareness on measures to reduce the prevalence of tobacco and nicotine-containing products consumption in the Russian Federation, which is based on Internet surveys to identify new trends in tobacco and nicotine consumption, awareness, and sources of public awareness.
OBJECTIVE
To study the trends in the consumption patterns of tobacco and nicotine-containing products among the population of different age groups, men and women in the Russian Federation for 2019—2022.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Males and females of different age groups participated in the study (a total of 6.541 respondents), including 3.181 in the 2019 survey, 1.281 in the 2020 survey, 1.053 in the 2021 survey, and 1.026 in the 2022 survey. The same questionnaire was used. The distribution of respondents by age in all surveys is comparable. In 2022, the following distribution of respondents by age group was reported: 18 and under 5.8%, 19—29 years 29.6%, 30—39 years 25.7%, 40—49 years 23.3%, 50—59 years 12.1%, 60—69 years 3.1%, 70+ years 0.4%. Analysis of data on the consumption of different types of products and their combinations was conducted, and the reasons for starting to use nicotine-containing products and awareness of restrictive legislative measures were studied.
RESULTS
A downward trend in smoking tobacco use is identified for 2019—2022. Smoking tobacco was the most common product consumed, the percentage of smokeless tobacco users remained low, and the trend of hookah use increased. The rates of e-cigarettes and tobacco heating product consumption tended to increase. In 2022, a 3-fold increase in the combined consumption of such nicotine-containing products has been detected. Low awareness of respondents about public places where the use of nicotine-containing products is prohibited was found.
CONCLUSION
The annual online public opinion survey is an effective tool for assessing current and emerging trends in the consumption of tobacco and nicotine-containing products. It is necessary to strengthen measures to restrict the sale and advertising of these products and increase public awareness about the health hazards and the legislative regulations adopted.
