Trends in smoking-attributable mortality in Spain: 1990-2018.

BACKGROUND: This study sought to analyse the trend in smoking-attributable mortality (SAM) in Spain among the population aged ≥35 years across the period 1990-2018. METHODS: SAM was estimated by applying a prevalence-independent method, which uses lung cancer (LC) mortality as a proxy of tobacco consumption. We sourced observed mortality from the National Institute of Statistics (Spain), LC mortality rates in smokers and never smokers from the Cancer Prevention Study I-II, and relative risks from 5 US cohorts. Estimates of annual SAM by cause of death, sex and age are shown, along with crude and annual standardised SAM rates. The trend in standardised all-cause and LC rates was analysed using a joinpoint regression model. RESULTS: Tobacco caused 1 717 150 deaths in Spain in the period 1990-2018. Among men, cancers replaced cardiovascular diseases-diabetes mellitus (CVD-DM) as the leading group of tobacco-related cause of death in 1994. Among women, CVD-DM remained the leading cause of death throughout the period. Trend analysis of standardised SAM rates due to all causes and LC showed a decrease in men and an increase in women. CONCLUSIONS: The tobacco epidemic in Spain across the period 1990-2018 has had an important impact on mortality and has evolved differently in both genders. SAM is expected to increase dramatically in women in the coming years. SAM data highlight the importance of including a gender perspective in SAM analyses, in designing more effective and comprehensive public health interventions and in developing gender-specific tobacco control policies to curb tobacco consumption.

Mental well-being of the general population: direct and indirect effects of socioeconomic, relational and health factors.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyse the association between individual mental well-being and social, economic, lifestyle and health factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional study on a representative sample of 13,632 participants (> 15y/o) from the Catalan Health Interview Survey 2013-2016 editions. Mental well-being was assessed with the Warwick-Edinburg Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS). Linear regressions were fitted to associate well-being and sociodemographic, relational, lifestyle and health variables according to minimally sufficient adjustment sets identified using directed acyclic graphs. Predictors entered the model in blocks of variable types and analysed individually. Direct and total effects were estimated. RESULTS: Health factors significantly contributed to mental well-being variance. Presence of a mental disorder and self-reported health had the largest effect size (eta2 = 13.4% and 16.3%). The higher individual impact from a variable came from social support (ß = - 12.8, SE = 0.48, eta2 = 6.3%). A noticeable effect gradient (eta2 = 4.2%) from low to high mental well-being emerged according to economic difficulties (from ß = 1.59, SE = 0.33 for moderate difficulties to ß = 6.02 SE = 0.55 for no difficulties). Younger age (ß = 5.21, SE = 0.26, eta2 = 3.4%) and being men (ß = 1.32, SE = 0.15, eta2 = 0.6%) were associated with better mental well-being. Direct gender effects were negligible. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights health and social support as the most associated factors with individual mental well-being over socioeconomic factors. Interventions and policies aimed to these factors for health promotion would improve population mental well-being.

Burden of respiratory disease attributable to secondhand smoke exposure at home in children in Spain (2015).

This study aimed to estimate the number of incident cases and hospital admissions attributable to secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure at home for asthma, otitis media (OM), and lower respiratory infections (LRI) in children in Spain. The burden of respiratory disease caused by SHS exposure was estimated in terms of incident cases and hospitalized cases for asthma, OM, and LRI. Estimates were calculated using the population attributable fraction. The age-specific (0-1 year, 0-4 years, 5-11 years, and 0-11 years) prevalence of SHS exposure in children was estimated through a telephone survey performed in a representative sample of Spanish households with children in 2016. The risk estimates for all diseases were selected from international meta-analyses. The number of hospitalized cases was obtained for each disease from the Hospital Minimum Data Set provided by the Ministry of Health of Spain. Incident cases were obtained from the Global Health Data Exchange. In 2015, SHS exposure caused an estimated total of 136,403 incident cases of the following respiratory diseases: 9058 (8.5%) cases of asthma, 120,248 (8.5%) of OM, and 7097 (13.5%) of LRI in children aged 0-14 years old in Spain. Likewise, SHS exposure caused a total of 3028 hospitalized cases, with 379 (8.5%) for asthma and 167 (8.5%) for OM in children 0-11 years old, and 2482 (11.6%) for LRI in children <2 years old. The high burden of respiratory disease attributed to SHS exposure supports the need to improve protection of children against SHS exposure by extending smoke-free regulations to homes and cars.

Sociodemographic factors associated with secondhand smoke exposure and smoking rules in homes with children.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to identify sociodemographic characteristics associated with secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure and the adoption of smoking bans in homes with children in Spain. METHODS: We performed, in 2016, a cross-sectional study to a representative sample of Spanish households with children under 12 years old. We administered a telephone survey to the parents asking about smoking patterns at home, children's SHS exposure and sociodemographic characteristics. Poisson regression models with robust variance were built to assess sociodemographic characteristics associated with household SHS exposure and the adoption of smoking rules. RESULTS: In this study participated 2411 families, 25.8% of which reported exposure at home and 84.4% implemented smoking bans. SHS exposure was associated with having one (aPR = 2.09; 95% CI: 1.43-3.04) or two Spanish parents (aPR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.24-2.36), lower educational attainment (primary: aPR = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.45-2.10; secondary: aPR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.17-1.60 compared with university studies), a family structure different from two-parent family (aPR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.14-1.67) and parents between 31 and 40 years (aPR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.57-0.99) and 41-50 years (aPR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.47-0.81) compared with 18- to 30-year-old parents. The adoption of smoking bans was associated with two-parent family (aPR = 1.09; 95% CI: 1.01-1.17), living with non-smokers (aPR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.31-1.62), parents of foreign origin (aPR = 1.09; 95% CI: 1.04-1.14) and younger children (0-3 years: aPR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.01-1.09) compared with the oldest children (8-11 years). CONCLUSION: The parent's origin and the family structure were associated with SHS exposure and the adoption of smoking bans at home. Moreover, the number of smokers living at home was relevant for the adoption of smoking bans, and the educational attainment for SHS exposure. These factors should be taken into consideration when designing or implementing smoke-free home programmes.

Validity of self-reported indicators to assess secondhand smoke exposure in the home.

INTRODUCTION: Questionnaires are widely used to assess secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure. However, the validity of self-reported SHS exposure indicators has been rarely assessed. We aimed to assess correlations, sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values between self-reported SHS exposure indicators and airborne nicotine concentrations. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of 175 homes in Barcelona and Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Airborne nicotine samples were collected from participants' homes and a self-administered questionnaire was completed on SHS exposure in the home. Spearman correlations coefficients and sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were assessed between self-reported SHS exposure indicators and nicotine concentrations in the home. RESULTS: All self-reported SHS exposure indicators correlated moderately strongly with airborne nicotine concentrations (Spearman correlations coefficient ranging from 0.58 to 0.65). Moreover, sensitivities and negative predictive values between self-reported indicators and the presence of nicotine in the home were below 66.4% while specificities and positive predictive values were over 78.4%. The "number of people usually smoking in the home" showed the best results (rs = 0.65, p < 0.001; sensitivity = 50.4%, specificity = 95.2%, PPV = 95.0, NPV = 51.3). CONCLUSIONS: The self-reported SHS indicators assessed in this study showed moderate and strong correlations, low sensitivities, and high specificities. Among them, the best results were obtained with the "number of people usually smoking in the home".

Second-hand smoke exposure in homes with children: assessment of airborne nicotine in the living room and children's bedroom.

BACKGROUND: The introduction of 'smoke-free laws' has reduced the population's exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS), although SHS is still an issue in homes and other public places. Children are vulnerable to its health effects, and their greatest exposure occurs at home. OBJECTIVES: To assess airborne nicotine concentration of the living room and children's bedroom of homes with children under 13 years of age, and to analyse factors associated with these levels. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in Barcelona in 2015-2016, selecting a convenience sample from families with at least one child under 13 years of age. The sample comprised 50 families with smokers and 50 without. We measured airborne nicotine concentrations in the living room and children's bedroom, and, using a questionnaire administered to the parents, collected information about smoking habits at home. RESULTS: Homes without smokers showed nicotine concentrations below the limit of detection (<0.02 µg/m3), while those with at least one smoker showed 0.16 µg/m3 in the living room and 0.12 µg/m3 in the bedroom. When smoking was allowed inside home, these values increased to 1.04 and 0.48 µg/m3, respectively. Moreover, nicotine concentrations in both rooms were strongly correlated (r=0.89), and higher nicotine levels were associated with the number of cigarettes smoked in the living room, smoking rules, the number of smokers living at home and tobacco smell. CONCLUSIONS: Homes with smokers present SHS in the living room and in the children's bedroom. Therefore, programmes focused on reducing children's SHS exposure are urgently needed.

Changes in Secondhand Smoke Exposure After Smoke-Free Legislation (Spain, 2006-2011).

INTRODUCTION: In 2011, the Spanish partial smoke-free legislation was extended to affect all enclosed settings, including hospitality venues and selected outdoor areas. This study evaluated the change in self-reported exposure to secondhand smoke among the adult, nonsmoking population. METHODS: Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted on nationally representative samples of the adult (≥18 years) nonsmoking Spanish population. One was conducted in 2006 (6 months after the first ban) and the other in 2011, 6 months after the new ban was implemented. We assessed the prevalence and 95% confidence interval (CI) of self-reported exposure to secondhand smoke in various settings, and the corresponding adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% CIs. RESULTS: Overall, the self-reported exposure to secondhand smoke fell from 71.9% (95% CI: 70.1%-73.7%) in 2006 to 45.2% (95% CI: 43.1%-47.3%) in 2011 (PR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.39-0.47). Specifically, self-reported exposure significantly decreased from 29.2% to 12.7% (PR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.31-0.42) in the home, from 35.0% to 13.0% (PR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.33-0.49) at work/education venues, from 56.2% to 32.2% (PR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.39-0.48) during leisure time (mainly hospitality venues, but also venues other than work/education venues and home), and from 40.6% to 12.7% (PR = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.21-0.29) in transportation vehicles/stations. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of secondhand smoke exposure among nonsmokers decreased after implementation of a comprehensive smoke-free legislation in Spain. In addition to the expected reduction in exposure during leisure time, we observed reductions in settings that were not subject to the new legislation, such as homes, outdoor bus stops, and train stations. IMPLICATIONS: Exposure to secondhand smoke in selected outdoor settings may be further reduced by extending smoke-free legislation.

Mortality Attributable to Secondhand Smoke Exposure in Spain (2011).

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to assess the mortality attributable to secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure among never-smokers in Spain in 2011, after the implementation of the Spanish smoking law. METHODS: Data on SHS exposure were obtained from a computer-assisted telephone survey carried out in a representative sample of the adult Spanish population. We included the two main diseases widely associated with SHS exposure: lung cancer and ischaemic heart disease. The relative risks for these diseases were selected from previously published meta-analyses. The number of deaths attributable to SHS was calculated by applying the population attributable fraction to mortality not attributable to active smoking in 2011. The analyses were stratified by sex, age and setting of exposure (home, workplace, and both combined). In addition, a sensitivity analysis was performed for distinct scenarios. RESULTS: In 2011, a total of 586 deaths in men and 442 deaths in women would be attributable to SHS exposure. The total number of deaths from lung cancer attributable to SHS exposure would be 124, while the total number of deaths from ischaemic heart disease would be 904. The inclusion of ex-smokers or SHS exposure in leisure time in the study would considerably increase the total number of attributable deaths (by 20% and 130%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The total number of deaths attributable to SHS exposure at home and at work in Spain would be 1028 in 2011. Efforts are still needed to reduce the current prevalence of exposure-mainly due to exposure in nonregulated settings such as homes or cars and some outdoor spaces-and the associated morbidity and mortality.

Validity of self-reported exposure to second-hand smoke in hospitality venues.

The aim was to assess the validity of self-reported exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) in 50 hospitality venues of Madrid (Spain) in 2010, taking as a reference vapour-phase nicotine measured by active sampling. The questions posed in the questionnaire permitted distinguishing between the different levels of SHS. However, the moderate relationship found (Spearman׳s correlation=0.387, p<0.001) suggests that intensity of exposure to SHS in hospitality venues, based solely on self-reported information, should be used with caution.

Changes in prevalence and socioeconomic inequalities in secondhand smoke exposure in Spanish children, 2016-2019.

INTRODUCTION: Children are vulnerable to secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure, especially those with lower socioeconomic status. This study assesses the changes in prevalence and socioeconomic inequalities in SHS exposure in children younger than 12 years old in Spain between 2016 and 2019. METHODS: We conducted two cross-sectional studies among representative samples of households with children aged <12 years in Spain, in 2016 (n=2411) and 2019 (n=2412). Families were interviewed to assess children's SHS exposure in private settings and outdoor public venues and their adoption of home and car smoke-free rules. We used the education level of the home main earner as a proxy for socioeconomic position. Changes over time in the prevalence and socioeconomic inequalities of SHS exposure and smoke-free rules were estimated through adjusted Poisson regression models with robust variance according to sociodemographic covariates (adjusted prevalence ratios, APRs). RESULTS: In 2019, 70.5% of children were exposed to SHS in Spain. No changes between 2016 and 2019 were found for overall SHS exposure, exposure at home, and at school entrances. SHS exposure increased at public transport stations (APR=1.24; 95% CI: 1.03-1.49) and outdoor hospitality venues (APR=1.17; 95% CI: 1.07-1.29) while it decreased in cars (APR=0.74; 95% CI: 0.56-0.98) and parks (APR=0.87; 95% CI: 0.77-0.98). Households with lower education level had higher prevalence of SHS exposure at home in 2019 compared with those with university studies (primary: APR=1.30; 95% CI: 1.11-1.51; secondary: APR=1.12; 95% CI: 1.00-1.25) and were less likely to adopt home indoor smoke-free rules (primary: APR=0.88; 95% CI: 0.79-0.99; secondary: APR=0.95; 95% CI: 0.89-1.02). Socioeconomic inequalities in SHS exposure at home persisted between 2016 and 2019 (p>0.05), while decreased in smoke-free rules in cars (p=0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Reported SHS exposure among children in Spain remained high between 2016 and 2019. Inequalities persisted at home, highlighting the need for measures to reduce such exposure with an equity perspective.

Impact of a multi-level intervention to prevent secondhand smoke exposure in schoolchildren: a randomized cluster community trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of a multi-level (individual, family, and school) school-based intervention to prevent the exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) in a population of schoolchildren (12-14 years old). METHOD: This was a community trial with cluster randomization of schools to an intervention and comparison group (ClinicalTrials.Gov identifier NCT01881607). The intervention targeted schoolchildren in Terrassa (Catalonia, Spain). We assessed SHS exposure in different settings and tobacco consumption by means of a questionnaire before and one year after the intervention. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 1734 students with both baseline and follow-up data. The crude analysis showed that SHS exposure among students in the intervention group significantly decreased at school (-14.0%), at home (-19.9%), and on transportation (-21.8%). In the comparison group, SHS exposure significantly decreased only at home (-16.9%). After adjustment for potential confounders, the good accomplishment of the activities showed a possible trend towards a non-significant reduction in exposure at home, transportation, and leisure time. CONCLUSION: While this school-based multi-level intervention had no overall effect in SHS exposure, the improvement of the activities focused on preventing SHS would be needed in order to achieve a significant decrease in the proportion of children exposed to SHS.

Impact of the 2011 Spanish smoking ban in hospitality venues: indoor secondhand smoke exposure and influence of outdoor smoking.

INTRODUCTION: The Spanish tobacco control law of 2006 was modified in January 2011, banning smoking in all hospitality venues. The objective of the study was to assess the impact of the 2011 Spanish smoking ban on secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure in hospitality venues, and to analyze the potential impact of outdoor smokers close to entrances on indoor SHS levels after the law came into force. METHODS: Before-and-after evaluation study with repeated measures. The study was carried out in three regions of Spain (Catalonia, Galicia, and Madrid) and included a random sample of 178 hospitality venues. We measured vapor-phase nicotine and particulate matter 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter (PM2.5) as SHS markers at baseline (November-December 2010) and at follow-up (April-June 2011). We also recorded tobacco consumption variables such as the presence of butts, ashtrays, and smokers. In the posttest assessment, we also recorded the number of outdoor smokers close to the entrance. RESULTS: A total of 351 nicotine and 160 PM2.5 measurements were taken. Both nicotine and PM2.5 concentrations decreased by more than 90% (nicotine from 5.73 to 0.57 µg/m(3), PM2.5 from 233.38 to 18.82 µg/m(3)). After the law came into force, both nicotine and PM2.5 concentrations were significantly higher in venues with outdoor smokers close to the entrance than in those without outdoor smokers. All the observational tobacco consumption variables significantly decreased (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: SHS exposure in hospitality venues dramatically decreased after the 2011 Spanish smoking ban. SHS from outdoor smokers close to entrances seems to drift inside venues. Smoking control legislation should consider outdoor restrictions to ensure complete protection against SHS.

Variability in the correlation between nicotine and PM2.5 as airborne markers of second-hand smoke exposure.

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between particulate matter of diameter≤2.5 µm (PM2.5) and airborne nicotine concentration as markers of second-hand smoke exposure with respect to the setting studied, the intensity of exposure, and the type of environment studied (indoors or outdoors). Data are derived from two independent studies that simultaneously measured PM2.5 and nicotine concentrations in the air as airborne markers of second-hand smoke exposure in public places and workplaces, including health care centres, bars, public administration offices, educational centres, and transportation. We obtained 213 simultaneous measures of airborne nicotine and PM2.5. Nicotine in the air was measured with active samplers containing a sodium bisulphate-treated filter that was analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. PM2.5 was measured with a SidePak AM510 Personal Aerosol Monitor. We calculated Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and its 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) between both measures for overall data and stratified by setting, type of environment (indoors/outdoors), and intensity of second-hand smoke exposure (low/high, according to the global median nicotine concentration). We also fitted generalized regression models to further explore these relationships. The median airborne nicotine concentration was 1.36 µg/m3, and the median PM2.5 concentration was 32.13 µg/m3. The overall correlation between both markers was high (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient=0.709; 95% CI: 0.635-0.770). Correlations were higher indoors (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient=0.739; 95% CI: 0.666-0.798) and in environments with high second-hand smoke exposure (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient=0.733; 95% CI: 0.631-0.810). The multivariate analysis adjusted for type of environment and intensity of second-hand smoke exposure confirmed a strong relationship (7.1% increase in geometric mean PM2.5 concentration per µg/m3 nicotine concentration), but only in indoor environments in a stratified analysis (6.7% increase; 95% CI: 4.3-9.1%). Although the overall correlation between airborne nicotine and PM2.5 is high, there is some variability regarding the type of environment and the intensity of second-hand smoke exposure. In the absence of other sources of combustion, air nicotine and PM2.5 measures can be used indoors, while PM2.5 should be used outdoors with caution.

Questionnaire-based second-hand smoke assessment in adults.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have assessed second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure but a gold standard remains to be established. This study aimed to review how SHS exposure has been assessed in adults in questionnaire-based epidemiological studies. METHODS: A literature search of original papers in English, French, Italian or Spanish published from January 2000 to May 2011 was performed using PubMed. The variables recorded for each study included target population, sample size, validation of the SHS questions, study design and phrasing of every question used to assess SHS exposure. For each item, information such as the setting where exposure was assessed or the indicator used to ascertain SHS exposure was extracted. RESULTS: We retrieved 977 articles, of which 335 matched the inclusion criteria. The main objective of 75.8% of the studies was to assess SHS exposure.The proportion of validated questions aiming to ascertain SHS exposure was 17.9%. Most studies collected data only for one (40.3%) or two settings (33.4%), most frequently the home (83.9%) and workplace (57%). The most commonly used indicator to ascertain exposure was the presence of smokers and 68.9% of the studies included an item to assess the intensity of SHS exposure. CONCLUSIONS: The variability in the indicators and items used to ascertain SHS exposure is very high, whereas the use of items derived from validated studies remains low. Identifying the diverse settings where SHS exposure may occur is essential to accurately assess exposure over time. A standard set of items to identify SHS exposure in distinct settings is needed.

Tobacco smoking, exposure to second-hand smoke, and asthma and wheezing in schoolchildren: a cross-sectional study.

AIM: To analyse the association between tobacco smoking, exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) and reports of wheezing and asthma in a sample of schoolchildren. METHODS: A structured questionnaire was administered to 1766 students (7th grade, aged 12-13 years) at 25 schools in Terrassa, Spain (2006). We determined the prevalence of active smoking, exposure to SHS and reports of wheezing and asthma, and their association by means of prevalence odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: 97.5% of children were nonsmokers, 1.5% were experimental smokers and 1% were regular smokers. 41.1% of children reported exposure to SHS at home, 40.0% at school, 53.9% in their leisure time and 33.2% while using private or public transportation. Wheezing was reported by 9.2% of children, and 9.2% reported asthma. A significant association was found between smoking tobacco and wheezing: OR in experimental smokers = 3.0 (95% CI 1.2-7.7), and OR in active smokers = 4.2 (95% CI 1.4-12.5). Exposure to SHS while using transportation was associated with wheezing (OR = 1.4; 95% CI 1.0-2.0). Tobacco smoking and exposure to SHS were not associated with asthma. CONCLUSION: Active and experimental smokers, and those who reported exposure to SHS while using public or private transportation, had higher likelihood of reporting wheezing. No association between active or passive smoking and asthma was observed.

Validation of a small-area model for estimation of smoking prevalence at a subnational level.

INTRODUCTION: Small-area estimation methods are an alternative to direct survey-based estimates in cases where a survey's sample size does not suffice to ensure representativeness. Nevertheless, the information yielded by small-area estimation methods must be validated. The objective of this study was thus to validate a small-area model. METHODS: The prevalence of smokers, ex-smokers, and never smokers by sex and age group (15-34, 35-54, 55-64, 65-74, ≥75 years) was calculated in two Spanish Autonomous Regions (ARs) by applying a weighted ratio estimator (direct estimator) to data from representative surveys. These estimates were compared against those obtained with a small-area model applied to another survey, specifically the Spanish National Health Survey, which did not guarantee representativeness for these two ARs by sex and age. To evaluate the concordance of the estimates, we calculated the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the 95% confidence intervals of the differences between estimates. To assess the precision of the estimates, the coefficients of variation were obtained. RESULTS: In all cases, the ICC was ≥0.87, indicating good concordance between the direct and small-area model estimates. Slightly more than eight in ten 95% confidence intervals for the differences between estimates included zero. In all cases, the coefficient of variation of the small-area model was <30%, indicating a good degree of precision in the estimates. CONCLUSIONS: The small-area model applied to national survey data yields valid estimates of smoking prevalence by sex and age group at the AR level. These models could thus be applied to a single year's data from a national survey, which does not guarantee regional representativeness, to characterize various risk factors in a population at a subnational level.

Small-area models to assess the geographical distribution of tobacco consumption by sex and age in Spain.

INTRODUCTION: Complete and accurate data on smoking prevalence at a local level would enable health authorities to plan context-dependent smoking interventions. However, national health surveys do not generally provide direct estimates of smoking prevalence by sex and age groups at the subnational level. This study uses a small-area model-based methodology to obtain precise estimations of smoking prevalence by sex, age group and region, from a population-based survey. METHODS: The areas targeted for analysis consisted of 180 groups based on a combination of sex, age group (15-34, 35-54, 55-64, 65-74, and ≥75 years), and Autonomous Region. Data on tobacco use came from the 2017 Spanish National Health Survey (2017 SNHS). In each of the 180 groups, we estimated the prevalence of smokers (S), ex-smokers (ExS) and never smokers (NS), as well as their coefficients of variation (CV), using a weighted ratio estimator (direct estimator) and a multinomial logistic model with random area effects. RESULTS: When smoking prevalence was estimated using the small-area model, the precision of direct estimates improved; the CV of S and ExS decreased on average by 26%, and those of NS by 25%. The range of S prevalence was 11-46% in men and 4-37% in women, excluding the group aged ≥75 years. CONCLUSIONS: This study proposes a methodology for obtaining reliable estimates of smoking prevalence in groups or areas not covered in the survey design. The model applied is a good alternative for enhancing the precision of estimates at a detailed level, at a much lower cost than that involved in conducting large-scale surveys. This method could be easily integrated into routine data processing of population health surveys. Having such estimates directly after completing a health survey would help characterize the tobacco epidemic and/or any other risk factor more precisely.

Two-year impact of the Spanish smoking law on exposure to secondhand smoke: evidence of the failure of the 'Spanish model'.

OBJECTIVE: Studies evaluating the long-term impact of smoking laws on secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure using airborne markers are scarce. This study aimed to assess the long-term impact of the Spanish smoking law on SHS levels, using a specific and objective marker. METHODS: Follow-up study, measuring vapour-phase nicotine levels before the implementation of the law and 6, 12 and 24 months after the initial assessment. A total of 443 samples were taken at baseline in eight different regions in offices in the public administration, private sector, universities and hospitality venues. RESULTS: Two years after the law was implemented, the nicotine concentration decreased by a minimum of 60% in public administration, university and private sector offices, as well as in venues where smoking was totally banned. However, nicotine levels significantly increased by 40% in hospitality venues allowing smoking. No significant differences were found in hospitality venues with areas for smokers and non-smokers or in pubs and discotheques. CONCLUSIONS: Two years after the smoking law came into force, levels of SHS exposure in the workplace were significantly lower than before the law was implemented. Importantly, however, SHS levels were even higher than before the law was implemented in venues still allowing smoking. The data obtained in this study clearly show that the 'Spanish model' is not protecting the health of hospitality workers and that a complete ban is required. Furthermore, this study highlights the importance of long-term monitoring of compliance with smoking laws over time.

[Secondhand smoke exposure at home and leisure time according to the day of the week (working and non-working day) in Barcelona]. / Exposición al humo ambiental del tabaco en el hogar y el tiempo libre según el día de la semana (laborable y no laborable) en Barcelona.

The objective of this study is to describe the differences in the exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) at home and at leisure time according to the day of the week (working and non-working day) which exposure occurs in Barcelona. We carried out a cross-sectional study of a representative sample of adult (>16 years) non-smokers in Barcelona before the Spanish smoking law came into effect (years 2004-2005). We studied the prevalence of exposure to SHS at home and leisure time by means of a questionnaire and a biomarker (salivary cotinine). The questionnaire included questions on exposure to SHS on working days and nonworking days. The prevalence of exposure to SHS at home was 27.4% (6.8% exposed only on working days, 5.7% exposed only on non-working days, and 14.9% exposed on both working and non-working days). The prevalence of exposure to SHS at leisure time was 61.3% (10.7% exposed only on working days, 13.6% exposed only on non-working days, and 37.0% exposed on both working and non-working days). The exposure to SHS only on non-working days at leisure time decreases with age (χ(2) of trend = 183.7; p<0.001) and increases with the educational level (χ(2) of trend = 78.8; p<0.001). Participants who had reported to be exposed to SHS at home on working and non-working days showed higher levels of salivary cotinine concentration, regardless of sex, age group, and educational level. In conclusion, the exposure to SHS occurs mainly during leisure time. Questions on SHS exposure according to working and non-working days allow to characterizing the exposure to SHS, especially when the exposure occurs at leisure time.