Tobacco control is successful in Mauritius

While cigarette smoking has been decreasing in many developed countries, it has been increasing in many low and middle income countries. Tobacco companies are now switching their efforts to these emerging markets. There is, however, a lack of prospective data on prevalence of cigarette smoking in low and middle income countries. Cox et al (p 345) report a major decrease in smoking prevalence in the middle income country of Mauritius. Legislative changes, including increased taxes on cigarettes, have prompted a reduction in smoking behaviour. This has occurred in the absence of a major promotional campaign by the sole tobacco company. The findings have implications for policies for tobacco control in low and middle income countries.

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Decreasing prevalence of cigarette smoking in the middle income country of Mauritius: questionnaire survey

Helen S Cox, Joanne W Williams, Maximilian P de Courten, Pierrot Chitson, Jaakko Tuomilehto, and Paul Z Zimmet
BMJ 2000 321: 345-349. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]