The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: Consumption of Tobacco products in Bulgaria increases annually in recent years. The smoking prevalence among women (aged over 15 years) has increased from 16,3% in 1996 to 22,8% in 2001. By the young females (13-16 years old) this rate was 42,7% (2002) and by the passive smoking children – 68,5% (2002). According to analysis of the Ministry of Health and Expert assessment, attribute in 2001 some 20% of all Bulgarian deaths to smoking as direct or indirect causal factor.

Methods: Protecting children's and women's health is a key public health concern in Bulgaria. Efforts focused on the basis of the current women's and children's health indicators to be undertaken legislative measures for reducing the influence of the risk factor “smoking”.

Results: The reducing of risk factor “smoking” among target groups children and women is involved as main priority in the National Health Strategy and in the new Health Legislation and Regulations 1.Implemented remedial measures, including sale and smoking restrictions don't produce the expected results. 2. Reducing risk factor “smoking” measures need to be supplemented with effective programs and to be object of legislation. tions.