Effectiveness of a participatory approach to develop school health interventions in four low resource cities: study protocol of the 'empowering adolescents to lead change using health data' cluster randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Comprehensive local data on adolescent health are often lacking, particularly in lower resource settings. Furthermore, there are knowledge gaps around which interventions are effective to support healthy behaviours. This study generates health information for students from cities in four middle-income countries to plan, implement and subsequently evaluate a package of interventions to improve health outcomes. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will conduct a cluster randomised controlled trial in schools in Fez, Morocco; Jaipur, India; Saint Catherine Parish, Jamaica; and Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana. In each city, approximately 30 schools will be randomly selected and assigned to the control or intervention arm. Baseline data collection includes three components. First, a Global School Health Policies and Practices Survey (G-SHPPS) to be completed by principals of all selected schools. Second, a Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) to be administered to a target sample of n=3153 13-17 years old students of randomly selected classes of these schools, including questions on alcohol, tobacco and drug use, diet, hygiene, mental health, physical activity, protective factors, sexual behaviours, violence and injury. Third, a study validating the GSHS physical activity questions against wrist-worn accelerometry in one randomly selected class in each control school (n approximately 300 students per city). Intervention schools will develop a suite of interventions using a participatory approach driven by students and involving parents/guardians, teachers and community stakeholders. Interventions will aim to change existing structures and policies at schools to positively influence students' behaviour, using the collected data and guided by the framework for Making Every School a Health Promoting School. Outcomes will be assessed for differential change after a 2-year follow-up. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study was approved by WHO's Research Ethics Review Committee; by the Jodhpur School of Public Health's Institutional Review Board for Jaipur, India; by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research Institutional Review Board for Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana; by the Ministry of Health and Wellness' Advisory Panel on Ethics and Medico-Legal Affairs for St Catherine Parish, Jamaica, and by the Comité d'éthique pour la recherche biomédicale of the Université Mohammed V of Rabat for Fez, Morocco. Findings will be shared through open access publications and conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04963426.

Multimorbidity and social determinants of health in the US prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and implications for health outcomes: a cross-sectional analysis based on NHANES 2017-2018.

Multimorbidity increases the risk of all-cause mortality, and along with age, is an independent risk factor for severe disease and mortality from COVID-19. Inequities in the social determinants of health contributed to increased mortality from COVID-19 among disadvantaged populations. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of multimorbid conditions and associations with the social determinants of health in the US prior to the pandemic.Methods Data from the 2017-18 cycle of NHANES were used to determine the prevalence of 13 chronic conditions, and the prevalence of having 0, 1, or 2 or more of those conditions, among the US adult population aged ≥ 20 years. Multimorbidity was defined as having 2 or more of these conditions. Data were stratified according to demographic, socioeconomic and indicators of health access, and analyses including logistic regression, performed to determine the factors associated with multimorbidity.Results The prevalence of multimorbidity was 58.4% (95% CI 55.2 to 61.7). Multimorbidity was strongly associated with age and was highly prevalent among those aged 20-29 years at 22.2% (95% CI 16.9 to 27.6) and continued to increase with older age. The prevalence of multimorbidity was highest in those defined as Other or multiple races (66.9%), followed in decreasing frequency by rates among non-Hispanic Whites (61.2%), non-Hispanic Blacks (57.4%), Hispanic (52.0%) and Asian (41.3%) groups.Logistic regression showed a statistically significant relationship between multimorbidity and age, as expected. Asian race was associated with a reduced likelihood of 2 or more chronic conditions (OR 0.4; 95% CI 0.35 to 0.57; P < 0.0001). Socioeconomic factors were related to multimorbidity. Being above the poverty level (OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.46 to 0.91, p = 0.013); and a lack of regular access to health care (OR 0.61 (95% CI 0.42 to 0.88, p = 0.008) were both associated with a reduced likelihood of multimorbidity. Furthermore, there was a borderline association between not having health insurance and reduced likelihood of multimorbidity (OR 0.63; 95% CI 0.40 to 1.0; p = 0.053).Conclusions There are high levels of multimorbidity in the US adult population, evident from young adulthood and increasing with age. Cardiometabolic causes of multimorbidity were highly prevalent, especially obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes; conditions subsequently found to be associated with severe disease and death from COVID-19. A lack of access to care was paradoxically associated with reduced likelihood of comorbidity, likely linked to underdiagnosis of chronic conditions. Obesity, poverty, and lack of access to healthcare are factors related to multimorbidity and were also relevant to the health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, that must be addressed through comprehensive social and public policy measures. More research is needed on the etiology and determinants of multimorbidity, on those affected, patterns of co-morbidity, and implications for individual health and impact on health systems and society to promote optimal outcomes. Comprehensive public health policies are needed to tackle multimorbidity and reduce disparities in the social determinants of health, as well as to provide universal access to healthcare.

What is the NCD service capacity and disruptions due to COVID-19? Results from the WHO non-communicable disease country capacity survey in the Americas region.

OBJECTIVE: This article presents the Americas regional results of the WHO non-communicable diseases (NCDs) Country Capacity Survey from 2019 to 2021, on NCD service capacity and disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. SETTING: Information on public sector primary care services for NCDs, and related technical inputs from 35 countries in the Americas region are provided. PARTICIPANTS: All Ministry of Health officials managing a national NCD programme, from a WHO Member State in the Americas region, were included throughout this study. Government health officials from countries that are not WHO Member States were excluded. OUTCOME MEASURES: The availability of evidence-based NCD guidelines, essential NCD medicines and basic technologies in primary care, cardiovascular disease risk stratification, cancer screening and palliative care services were measured in 2019, 2020 and 2021. NCD service interruptions, reassignments of NCD staff during the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigation strategies to reduce disruptions for NCD services were measured in 2020 and 2021. RESULTS: More than 50% of countries reported a lack of comprehensive package of NCD guidelines, essential medicines and related service inputs. Extensive disruptions in NCD services resulted from the pandemic, with only 12/35 countries (34%), reporting that outpatient NCD services were functioning normally. Ministry of Health staff were largely redirected to work on the COVID-19 response, either full time or partially, reducing the human resources available for NCD services. Six of 24 countries (25%) reported stock out of essential NCD medicines and/or diagnostics at health facilities which affected service continuity. Mitigation strategies to ensure continuity of care for people with NCDs were deployed in many countries and included triaging patients, telemedicine and teleconsultations, and electronic prescriptions and other novel prescribing practices. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this regional survey suggest significant and sustained disruptions, affecting all countries regardless of the country's level of investments in healthcare or NCD burden.

Population with high cardiovascular risk receiving drug therapy and counseling: Brazil's status regarding the global goal, 2014-2015. / População com risco cardiovascular elevado em uso de medicamento e aconselhamento: a situação do Brasil em relação à meta mundial, 2014-2015.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of high cardiovascular risk (CVR), the proportion of people with high CVR who receive treatment and counseling, and to investigate the sociodemographic factors associated with this outcome, in Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study, using subsample data from the National Health Survey, collected via biochemical tests, in 2014-2015. Poisson regression was used. RESULTS: The proportion of high CVR in men was 11.2% (95%CI 9.6;12.9), and 10.4% (95%CI 9.2;11.8%) in women. In the group with high CVR, 68.8% (95%CI 63.7;73.4%) received counseling, 59.3% (95%CI 54.2;64.3%) received medication, and 55.6% (95%CI 50.4;60.7%) received both. In the multivariate analysis, receiving treatment and counseling was associated with being aged 50 years and over, and poor/very poor self-rated health (PR=1.26 - 95%CI 1.06;1.51). CONCLUSION: The proportion of people with high CVR who had received treatment and counseling was over 50%.

Population with cardiovascular risk receiving drug therapy and counseling: a Brazilian perspective on the global target, 2014-2015 / Población de riesgo cardiovascular que recibe medicamento y asesoramiento: la perspectiva de Brasil sobre el objetivo mundial, 2014-2015 / População com risco cardiovascular elevado em uso de medicamento e aconselhamento: a situação do Brasil em relação à meta mundial, 2014-2015

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of high cardiovascular risk (CVR) and the proportion of people with high CVR who receive treatment and counseling, to investigate the sociodemographic factors associated with this outcome, in Brazil. Methods: Cross-sectional study, using subsample data from the National Health Survey, collected by biochemical tests, in 2014-2015. Poisson regression was used. Results: The proportion of high CVR in men was 11.2% (95%CI 9.6;12.9), and in women 10.4% (95%CI 9.2;11.8%). In the group with high CVR, 68.8% (95%CI 63.7;73.4%) received counseling, 59.3% (95%CI 54.2;64.3%) medication, and 55.6% (95%CI 50.4;60.7%) both. In the multivariate analysis, receiving treatment and counseling was associated with age 50 years and over, and poor/very poor health self-assessment (PR=1.26 ­ 95%CI 1.06;1.51). Conclusion: The proportion of people with elevated CVR who received treatment and counseling was over 50%.

Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência de risco cardiovascular (RCV) elevado, a proporção de pessoas com RCV elevado que recebem tratamento e aconselhamento, e investigar os fatores sociodemográficos associados ao desfecho, no Brasil. Métodos: Estudo transversal, com dados de subamostra da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, coletados por exames bioquímicos, em 2014-2015. Empregou-se regressão de Poisson. Resultados: A proporção de RCV elevado em homens foi de 11,2% (IC95% 9,6;12,9) e em mulheres de 10,4% (IC95% 9,2;11,8%). No grupo com RCV elevado, 68,8% (IC95% 63,7;73,4%) receberam aconselhamento, 59,3% (IC95% 54,2;64,3%) medicamento e 55,6% (IC95% 50,4;60,7%) ambos. Na análise multivariável, receber tratamento e aconselhamento mostrou associação com a idade de 50 anos e mais, e com autoavaliação de saúde ruim/muito ruim (RP=1,26 ­ IC95% 1,06;1,51). Conclusão: A proporção de pessoas com RCV elevada que receberam tratamento e aconselhamento foi superior a 50%. 

População com risco cardiovascular elevado em uso de medicamento e aconselhamento: a situação do Brasil em relação à meta mundial, 2014-2015 / Población de riesgo cardiovascular elevado en uso de medicamento y asesoramiento: la situación de Brasil en relación al objetivo mundial, 2014-2015 / Population with high cardiovascular risk receiving drug therapy and counseling: Brazil's status regarding the global goal, 2014-2015

Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência de risco cardiovascular (RCV) elevado, a proporção de pessoas com RCV elevado que recebem tratamento e aconselhamento, e investigar os fatores sociodemográficos associados ao desfecho, no Brasil. Métodos: Estudo transversal, com dados de subamostra da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, coletados por exames bioquímicos, em 2014-2015. Empregou-se regressão de Poisson. Resultados: A proporção de RCV elevado em homens foi de 11,2% (IC95% 9,6;12,9), e em mulheres, de 10,4% (IC95% 9,2;11,8%). No grupo com RCV elevado, 68,8% (IC95% 63,7;73,4%) receberam aconselhamento; 59,3% (IC95% 54,2;64,3%), medicamento; e 55,6% (IC95% 50,4;60,7%), ambos. Na análise multivariável, receber tratamento e aconselhamento mostrou associação com a idade de 50 anos e mais, e com autoavaliação de saúde ruim/muito ruim (RP=1,26 - IC95% 1,06;1,51). Conclusão: A proporção de pessoas com RCV elevado que receberam tratamento e aconselhamento foi superior a 50%.

Objetivo: Estimar la prevalência de riesgo cardiovascular (RCV) elevado, la proporción de personas con RCV elevado que reciben tratamiento y asesoramiento, e investigar los factores sociodemográficos asociados al resultado, en Brasil. Métodos: Estudio transversal, con datos de la submuestra de la Investigación Nacional de Salud, recolectados por exámenes bioquímicos, en 2014-2015. Se usó la regresión de Poisson. Resultados: La proporción de RCV elevado en hombres fue del 11,2% (IC95% 9,6; 12,9) y en mujeres del 10,4% (IC95% 9,2;11,8%). En el grupo con RCV elevado, 68,8% (IC95% 63,7; 73,4%) recibió asesoramiento, 59,3% (IC95% 54,2;64,3%) medicamento y 55,6% (IC95% 50,4;60,7%) ambos. En el análisis multivariable, recebir tratamiento y asesoramiento se mostró asociado a la edad de 50 años y más, y a autoevaluación de salud mala/muy mala (RP=1,26 - IC95% 1,06;1,51). Conclusión: La proporción de personas con RCV elevado que recibió tratamiento y asesoramiento fue superior a 50%.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of high cardiovascular risk (CVR), the proportion of people with high CVR who receive treatment and counseling, and to investigate the sociodemographic factors associated with this outcome, in Brazil. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, using subsample data from the National Health Survey, collected via biochemical tests, in 2014-2015. Poisson regression was used. Results: The proportion of high CVR in men was 11.2% (95%CI 9.6;12.9), and 10.4% (95%CI 9.2;11.8%) in women. In the group with high CVR, 68.8% (95%CI 63.7;73.4%) received counseling, 59.3% (95%CI 54.2;64.3%) received medication, and 55.6% (95%CI 50.4;60.7%) received both. In the multivariate analysis, receiving treatment and counseling was associated with being aged 50 years and over, and poor/very poor self-rated health (PR=1.26 - 95%CI 1.06;1.51). Conclusion: The proportion of people with high CVR who had received treatment and counseling was over 50%.

[Exposure to point-of-sale tobacco displays in Argentina: evidence from the 2013 National Risk Factor Survey]. / Exposición a la publicidad del tabaco en los puntos de venta en Argentina. Evidencias de la Encuesta Nacional de Factores de Riesgo 2013.

OBJECTIVE:: To describe the population that reports to have visited tobacco points of sale (POS) in Argentina and their perception of tobacco advertising. MATERIALS AND METHODS:: We used data from the 2013 National Risk Factor Survey. RESULTS:: We included 31 167 respondents (96% of the total) who attended a store that sells cigarettes in the previous 30 days. Overall, 54.1% (67.3% of current smokers, 55.1% of former smokers and 49% of non smokers) referred having seen tobacco advertising at the POS. Males (OR=1.2) and current smokers (OR=1.9 vs. non smokers) were more likely to report having seen tobacco advertising at the POS. Those who were exposed to second hand smoke in bars and restaurants (OR=1.2) were also more likely to have seen advertising. We found that younger people (age 18 - 24) were more likely to be exposed (OR=2.8 vs older than 65). Among smokers, those who referred to have seen the advertising were more likely to have tried to quit smoking during the previous year. CONCLUSIONS:: It is important to regulate advertising at the POS to limit exposure, particularly among young people.

Exposición a la publicidad del tabaco en los puntos de venta en Argentina. Evidencias de la Encuesta Nacional de Factores de Riesgo 2013 / Exposure to point-of-sale tobacco displays in Argentina: evidence from the 2013 National Risk Factor Survey

Resumen: Objetivo: Describir las características de la población que refiere haber acudido a los puntos de venta (PV) de tabaco en relación con la percepción de la publicidad en Argentina. Material y métodos: Se analizaron datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Factores de Riesgo de 2013. Resultados: Se incluyeron 31 167 encuestados que acudieron a comercios donde venden cigarrillos en los últimos 30 días. De éstos, 54.1% dijo haber visto publicidad de cigarrillos. Los varones (RM=1.2) y los fumadores actuales (RM=1.9 vs. no fumador) tuvieron más posibilidad de percibirla. Aquéllos que refirieron estar expuestos al humo de tabaco en bares y restaurantes (RM= 1.2) tuvieron más posibilidad de ver publicidad de tabaco en los puntos de venta. Hubo un gradiente en relación con la edad: los jóvenes de 18 a 24 fueron más susceptibles a referir exposición (RM=2.8 vs >65 años). Entre los fumadores, aquéllos que percibieron publicidad refirieron con mayor frecuencia haber intentado dejar de fumar en el último año. Conclusiones: Es importante que la regulación de la publicidad en los PV sea más estricta para limitar la exposición a la publicidad, particularmente en los jóvenes.

Abstract: Objective: To describe the population that reports to have visited tobacco points of sale (POS) in Argentina and their perception of tobacco advertising. Materials and methods: We used data from the 2013 National Risk Factor Survey. Results: We included 31 167 respondents (96% of the total) who attended a store that sells cigarettes in the previous 30 days. Overall, 54.1% (67.3% of current smokers, 55.1% of former smokers and 49% of non smokers) referred having seen tobacco advertising at the POS. Males (OR=1.2) and current smokers (OR=1.9 vs. non smokers) were more likely to report having seen tobacco advertising at the POS. Those who were exposed to second hand smoke in bars and restaurants (OR=1.2) were also more likely to have seen advertising. We found that younger people (age 18 - 24) were more likely to be exposed (OR=2.8 vs older than 65). Among smokers, those who referred to have seen the advertising were more likely to have tried to quit smoking during the previous year. Conclusions: It is important to regulate advertising at the POS to limit exposure, particularly among young people.

Principales resultados de la tercera encuesta nacional de factores de riesgo de enfermedades no trasmisibles en Argentina / Main results of the third national non-communicable disease risk factor survey in Argentina

INTRODUCCIÓN: la vigilancia de las enfermedades no transmisibles (ENT) y sus factores de riesgo es esencial para diseñar y evaluar políticas efectivas. En 2013 se realizó la tercera EncuestaNacional de Factores de Riesgo de ENT (ENFR). OBJETIVOS: Describir la prevalencia, distribución y evolución de los principales factores de riesgo de las ENT en Argentina. MÉTODOS: Se utilizó un diseño muestral probabilístico, que incluyó una población general de 18años o más en viviendas pertenecientes a ciudades de más de 5 000 habitantes. RESULTADOS: Se encuestó a 32 365 personas (tasa derespuesta: 70,7%). La prevalencia de obesidad (20,8%) y sobrepeso(37,1%) aumentó en comparación con ENFR previas (2005 y 2009). Se mantuvieron estables la hipertensión arterial (34,1%) y el colesterolelevado (29,8%). El consumo de frutas/verduras (media: dosporciones/día) continuó siendo bajo, mientras que el sedentarismo fueelevado (54,7%). El consumo de tabaco (25,1%), la exposición al humode tabaco ajeno en bares/restaurantes (23,5%), trabajo (25%) y hogar(27,6%) y la utilización de sal (17,3%) se redujeron significativamente. El 71,6%, 65,6% y 24,5% de la población diana realizó Papanicolaou, mamografía y pruebas de rastreo de cáncer de colon, respectivamente.La cobertura de salud sólo pública se vio asociada a una menor proporción de prácticas preventivas, y las personas con menor nivel educativo tuvieron peores indicadores. CONCLUSIONES: Aunque hubo una mejora en materia de consumo de tabaco y utilización de sal, es necesario intensificar las políticas para el abordaje de las ENT.

INTRODUCTION: the surveillance of non-comunicable diseases (NCD) and their risk factors is essential to designand evaluate effective interventions. The 3rd National Risk Factor Survey of NCD (NRFS) was conducted in 2013. OBJECTIVES: To describe the prevalence, distribution and evolution of main risk factors of NCD in Argentina. METHODS: A probabilistic sampling design was used, including a general population aged 18 years orolder living in cities with more than 5 000 inhabitants. RESULTS: 32 365 people were interviewed (response rate: 70.7%). The prevalence of obesity (20.8%) and overweight (37.1%) was higher than in previous NRFS (2005-2009). Hypertension (34.1%) and high cholesterol (29.8%) prevalence remained stable. Meanconsumption of fruits and vegetables remained low (two servings/day), while physical inactivity was high (54.7%). Smoking (25.1%) and exposure to secondhand smoke in bars/restaurants (23.5%), at work (25%) and at home (27.6%) as well as the use of salt (17.3%) were reduced significantly. Among the targetpopulation, 71.6%, 65.6% and 24.5% performed Pap tests, mammograms and screening tests for colon cancer, respectively. Preventive health practices were less frequent among those with public health coverage only. People with lower education levelshad worse indicators. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the improvement in terms of smoking and salt consumption, further actions are needed to address NCDs.

Evidencia generada a partir de las Encuestas Nacionales deFactores de Riesgo de Argentina: revisión de la literatura / Evidence generated from the National Risk Factor Surveys in Argentina: literature review

INTRODUCCION: Las encuestas nacionales de factores de riesgo (ENFR) forman parte del sistema estadístico nacional y se realizan con una periodicidad de cuatro años. OBJETIVOS:Analizar, a través de una revisión sistemática de los estudios publicados, la utilización de los datos de las ENFR. METODOS: Se realizó una búsqueda en PubMed y SciELO, y se sumaronartículos identificados a partir de las citas aportadas por artículos de revisión y recomendaciones de autores. RESULTADOS: Se seleccionaron 17 estudios de investigación publicados, 12 en inglés y 5 en español, entre 2006 y 2014. En ellos se analizaron los siguientes temas: actividad física baja, hipertensión, control de colesterol, diabetes, obesidad, utilización de servicios preventivos, autopercepción de salud, tabaquismo, exposición al humo de tabaco ajeno y disposición a dejar de fumar, alimentación (consumode frutas y/o verduras), utilización de sal y consumo de alcohol de riesgo. CONCLUSIONES: La ENFR no sólo constituye una herramienta fundamental para el monitoreo de la epidemia deenfermedades no transmisibles, sino que también es una fuente de datos útil para profundizar el entendimiento de la epidemia a través de estudios de investigación.

INTRODUCTION: The National Risk Factor Surveys (NRFS) are part of the national statistical system and are conducted every four years. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the use of NRFS data through a systematic review of published studies. METHODS: A search was carried out in PubMed and SciELO, and articles identified from citations from review articles and recommendations of authors were also taken into consideration. RESULTS: A total of 17 research studies published in English (N=12) and Spanish (N=5) were selected, dating from 2006 to 2014. On these studies the following topics were analyzed: low physicalactivity, high blood pressure, cholesterol control, diabetes, obesity, use of preventive services, smoking self-perception, exposure to secondhand smoke and willingness to stop smoking, diet (consumption of fruits and/or vegetables), use of salt and binge drinking. CONCLUSIONS: The NRFSis not only a key tool to monitor the non-communicable disease epidemic, but also a useful source of data to develop research studies which deepen the understanding of the epidemic.

Encuesta mundial de tabaquismo en adultos 2012: resultados de la primera implementación en Argentina / Global Adult Tobacco Survey, 2012: Results of the First Implementation in Argentina

INTRODUCCIÓN: La Encuesta Mundial de Tabaquismo en Adultos (EMTA) es el estándar para monitorear de forma sistemática el consumo y los principales indicadores de control del tabaco. OBJETIVO: Monitorear la epidemia de tabaquismo en adultos en Argentina con una herramienta estandarizada propuesta por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. MÉTODOS: Se utilizó la metodología estandarizada a nivel mundial para relevar la información sobre uso de tabaco (para fumar y sin humo), cesación del consumo, exposición al humo de tabaco ajeno (HTA), economía, medios de comunicación y conocimientos, actitudes y percepciones acerca del uso. Se utilizó un diseño muestral multietápico, estratificado por conglomerados, para generar datos representativos a nivel nacional y regional. RESULTADOS: Se evidenció una prevalencia de tabaquismo del 22,3%, mayor en varones (29,6%) que en mujeres (15,7%). El 73,6% de los fumadores había planeado o estaba pensando en dejar de fumar, y el 48,6% había hecho un intento el último año. El 31,6% de los adultos que trabajaban en ambientes cerrados había estado expuesto allí a HTA; el 33% sufrió esa exposición en su hogar. El 75,8% obtuvo información sobre los peligros de fumar en medios de comunicación, mientras que el 41,9% advirtió publicidades de cigarrillos en los sitios de venta. CONCLUSIONES: La encuesta permitió conocer con mayor profundidad las características de la epidemia de tabaquismo en Argentina y realizar una comparación a nivel mundial.

INTRODUCTION: The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) is the world standard to sy stematically monitor tobacco consumption and the main indicators for tobacco control. OBJECTIVE: To monitor tobacco epidemic in adults in Argentina with a standardized tool suggested by the World Health Organization. METHODS: A globally standardized methodology was used to gather information on tobacco use (smoking and smokeless), cessation, second-hand smoke (SHS), economics, media, and knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards tobacco use. A multi-stage stratified cluster sample design was used to produce representative data both at national and regional level. RESULTS: Tobacco smoking prevalence was 22.3%, with a high errate in men (29.6%) than in women (15.7%). A total of 73.6% of the smokers had planned or was planning to quit, and 48.6% had made a quit attempt in the previous year. Among adults working in enclosed places 31.6% were exposed to SHS, and 33% were exposed at home. Besides, 75.8% obtained anti-cigarette smoking information on mass media, while 41.9% noticed advertising at cigarette stores. CONCLUSIONS: The survey allowed a better understanding of tobacco epidemic in Argentina and also a comparison with other countries in the worl.