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Abstract

For decades men in Sweden have smoked at far lower rates than those in comparable countries. Previous studies showed that snus use played a major role in low smoking rates among men in northern Sweden; daily smoking declined from 19% (95% CI 16—22%) in 1986 to 11% (CI 8.9—14%) in 1999. The prevalence of smoking among all men is now 9% (CI 7.0— 11%) and only 3% (CI 0.1—5.4%) among men age 25—34 years; the prevalence of exclusive snus use is 27% (CI 24—30%) and 34% (CI 27—42%) respectively. Combined smoking and snus use, an unstable and transient category, was under 5% in all surveys and was 2.2% (CI 1.4—3.4%) by 2004. For the first time snus use is also associated with a decrease in smoking prevalence among women. These patterns of tobacco use have implications for all smoking-dominated societies.

Keywords

smoking trends snus moist snuff

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The Decline of Smoking in Northern Sweden

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