Tobacco control policies in Italy: A time-trend analysis of smoking prevalence disparities, 2001-2023
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction: Tobacco consumption remains a leading preventable cause of morbidity and mortality in Europe. In Italy, several public health initiatives have been implemented over the past two decades, including smoking bans, excise tax increases, and awareness campaigns. This study aims to examine time trends in smoking prevalence between 2001 and 2023, analyzing disparities by gender, age group, and education level. Methods: This secondary data analysis used nationally representative data from ISTAT, collected through periodic household surveys among individuals aged ≥14 years in Italy between 2001 and 2023. Time-trend analyses were conducted on the prevalence of smokers, non-smokers, and ex-smokers, including overall trends as well as stratified estimates by sex, age group (14-24, 25-44, 45-64, and ≥65 years), and education level (primary school, middle school, high school, and university degree). Results: Smokers' prevalence decreased by approximately 5% points over the study period (annual percent change, APC= -1.19; 95% CI: [-15.17; -0.85]; p<0.05). Among men, smoking declined across all age groups, with the greatest reductions in the youngest (aged 14-24 years, APC= -1.60) and oldest (aged ≥65 years, APC= -1.49) groups. Among women, smoking declined in younger age groups but increased among those aged ≥65 years. In terms of education level, smoking declined across all groups, particularly among individuals with primary school education. A notable increase was observed among university graduates in the final 3 years of the observation period. Conclusions: The findings highlight a long-term decline in smoking prevalence in Italy, with persistent disparities by gender, age, and education level. The recent increase observed in specific subgroups suggests a potentially changing pattern in tobacco use that warrants further monitoring and investigation.
Source: Tobacco Prevention & Cessation
DOI: 10.18332/tpc/225513
Institution: University of Turin
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,617
OpenAlex ID: W7223113793