The Current State of MPOWER Policies in the Republic of Kazakhstan: Data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2014

Abstract

Background: The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) is a global study to monitor tobacco use, and evaluate current measures and requisite policies on tobacco control. In this study, the key indicators from GATS Kazakhstan that address six tobacco control policies are assessed.

Methods: GATS Kazakhstan was a nationally representative household survey of the adult population aged 15 yr or older (n=4425, 52.8% females) implemented in 2014, in all regions of Kazakhstan. A multi-stage, geographically clustered sample design was used to obtain the key indicators of tobacco use and tobacco measures in the country. The sampling weights were employed to ensure real national representation. A household and individual questionnaire were administered through electronic devices.

Results: The majority of current tobacco users were cigarette smokers 22.2%. Overall, 19.0% of adults were exposed to secondhand smoke while at work. One third of smokers made a quit attempt in the last 12 months. Only, 74.0% of adults believed that breathing other people’s smoke causes serious illness in non-smokers. Almost all current smokers (97.6%) noticed pictorial health warnings on cigarette packages. Over half (58.0%) of the current smokers had thought about quitting, having seen pictorial warning labels. Exposure to any cigarette advertisement, sponsorship or promotion had been experienced by 25.7% of adults, with the highest rate of noticing cigarette advertisements being found in stores where cigarettes are sold (14.0%). Cigarettes were largely affordable for the population.

Conclusion: The GATS Kazakhstan results identified tobacco use indicators, as well as existing gaps in tobacco control measures.