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North Macedonia's Smoking Problem and New Cessation Efforts
High smoking rates in North Macedonia prompt the launch of a new quit smoking center, but challenges remain due to low cessation rates and weak enforcement of regulations.
Macedonian
Germany
HealthPublic HealthPreventionSmokingQuitting
Institute Of Public Health (Iph)Quit Smoking Center
- What factors contribute to the high rate of smoking in North Macedonia?
- The study highlights that readily available cigarettes at low prices, along with lax enforcement of smoking regulations, contribute to high smoking rates. The lack of support for health workers and insufficient funding for prevention and cessation programs also contribute to the problem.
- What are some of the health risks associated with smoking, particularly for children?
- Smoking causes significant health problems, including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Children are at increased risk from secondhand smoke, potentially developing respiratory issues and other health problems. Parental smoking is linked to higher rates of smoking among youth.
- What new initiative has been launched to help people quit smoking in North Macedonia?
- A new Quit Smoking Center has been opened by the IPH, offering personalized advice and strategies for quitting via a phone line (078 285 873) available Mondays and Wednesdays from 11 am to 1 pm.
- What percentage of the population in North Macedonia are active smokers, according to the IPH?
- The Institute of Public Health (IPH) in North Macedonia reports that 45.4% of the population are active smokers, with only 5% successfully quitting in recent years.
- How successful have efforts to help people quit smoking been in North Macedonia, and what are some of the reasons for this?
- The willingness to quit smoking in North Macedonia is low, with only 43 people seeking help at public health centers in 2023. Many smokers have tried quitting once, but few have made multiple attempts.