Knowledge of smoking risks may show little gain
Overview
A cross-national analysis reveals that knowledge of smoking-related diseases among smokers has shown minimal improvement over the past two decades. Despite high awareness of lung cancer risks, knowledge of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular harms remains lower and largely unchanged across multiple countries.
Background
Understanding the health risks associated with smoking and secondhand smoke is crucial for effective tobacco control strategies. This study highlights the persistence of low knowledge levels among smokers.
Data Highlights
| Outcome | ITC Knowledge (%) | GATS Knowledge (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Lung Cancer | 92 | 92 |
| Cardiovascular Disease | 85 | 80 |
| Heart Attack | N/A | 80 |
| Stroke | 75 | 66 |
| Secondhand Smoke - Lung Cancer | 77 | 82 |
| Secondhand Smoke - Heart Attack/CVD | 62 | 73 |
Key Findings
- Knowledge that smoking causes lung cancer was highest at 92% in both ITC and GATS.
- Awareness of cardiovascular disease caused by smoking was 85% in ITC and 80% in GATS.
- Knowledge of stroke caused by smoking was 75% in ITC and 66% in GATS.
- Overall knowledge change was minimal, averaging a net increase of 0.14 percentage points per year.
- Significant increases in knowledge of stroke risks were observed in 11 ITC countries and three GATS countries.
- Knowledge remained low in Nigeria and Ethiopia, with declines noted in Germany and Japan.
Clinical Implications
Healthcare professionals should recognize the persistent gaps in knowledge regarding smoking-related health risks among smokers. Enhanced educational strategies and interventions may be necessary to improve awareness and promote smoking cessation efforts.
Conclusion
The study indicates that despite high awareness of certain smoking risks, overall knowledge has not significantly improved.
Related Resources & Content
- Chung-Hall J, et al., BMJ Open, 2023 -- Changes in knowledge of the major harms of tobacco smoking and secondhand smoke exposure among adults who smoke
- inside dentistry — Dental Patient Awareness of Smoking Effects on Oral Health
- MDSpire News — Can Risk Infographic Encourage Smoking Cessation in Patients With COPD?
- The ASCO Post — Lung Cancer Screening and Possible Unappreciated Benefits
- BMC Medicine — Smoking history, eligibility for lung cancer screening and risk of death by lung cancer or other causes -- a longitudinal, time-variable analysis of the EPIC-Heidelberg cohort
- WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2025: warning about the dangers of tobacco: executive summary
- Changes in knowledge of the major harms of tobacco smoking and secondhand smoke exposure among adults who smoke: findings from 26 countries of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Project (2002–2022) and 32 countries of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey… | BMJ Open
- A life-course map of health risks associated with exposure to second-hand smoke | Nature Human Behaviour
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