Time trends in smoking in an urban population: a population-based study in Southern Brazil

This study evaluated time trends in smoking prevalence according to gender and family income among individuals 20 years or older in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Five population-based surveys using census tracts were conducted in the city from 2002 to 2010. Smoking was defined as consumption of one or more cigarettes per day for at least one month. Time trend was assessed using the chi-square test for linear trend. 15,136 individuals were enrolled in these surveys. During this period, overall smoking prevalence decreased from 28% (25.8-30.4) in 2002 to 21% (19.5-23.5) in 2010. This 23% decline was similar in both genders, but differed significantly according to family income (smoking prevalence increased as income dropped). From 2002 to 2010, smoking decreased by 26% in the lowest income quintile and 39% in the highest. Despite such reductions, smoking prevalence is still high, indicating the need to boost control measures, especially among low-income groups.