In Morocco, as in many developing countries, tobacco use has become a plague which aggravates the many already existing problems. A coordinated prevention programme which included research and a variety of educational efforts, has been underway for the past five years. The preliminary stage of the non-smoking campaign consisted of research through use of a variety of standardized questionnaires. The research results showed tobacco use in Morocco to be the following: 23.8% of secondary students are smokers with variation according to family, culture, environment and sex (33% male vs. 8.6% female); 33.8% of university students smoke, including those in Medical Schools; 52.1% of adults in the work environment smoke, including doctors. The rate declines drastically among practicing muslims (between the ages of 14 and 65) to 9.8%. The use of other drugs is significantly higher in students who use tobacco (25%) than those who do not (1.5%). A common factor appeared regardless of age, sex, or occupation: there was insufficient information available concerning the harmful effects of smoking. An educational campaign was therefore launched. As the youth were considered to be the most vulnerable target group, a major part of the educational efforts was concentrated on them. A variety of activities was implemented including conference-debates using audiovisual supports; radio and T.V. broadcasts; contests run with the assistance of the CIPADED (International Committee for the Prevention of Alcohol/Drug Dependence). Information of the harmful effects of tobacco use was diffused in workplaces, government offices, and at public assemblies. Efforts were also implemented to promote adoption of legislation which would limit tobacco consumption.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
PIP: An antismoking campaign has several stages: understanding the epidemiology of smoking, directing actions toward the most vulnerable population sectors, and increasing the awareness of educators and political authorities of the problems of smoking. Surveys in Morocco between 1980-84 showed that 23.8% of secondary school students, 33.8% of university students including medical students, and 52.1% of working adults smoke. The lowest proportions of smokers are found in the most traditional cultural sectors. Among practicing Moslems, 13.4% of males and .4% of females smoke. 33% of male but only 8.6% of female secondary students smoke, and 58.2% of employed males but 14.9% of employed females smoke. Smokers often use other drugs or alcohol; up to 25% of smokers among university students in Casablanca also reported using alcohol, kif, or hashish, vs. only 1.5% of nonsmokers. The surveys all underscore the lack of knowledge of the harmful effects of smoking among smokers. The goal of the antismoking campaign is to demonstrate that not smoking is the normal behavior. A limited but coordinated antismoking campaign underway for 5 years in Morocco has been directed toward making young people aware of the dangers of tobacco. The Moroccan Association for Prevention and Health Education (AMAPES) has conducted conferences and debates with audiovisual support or demonstrations by a mechanical smoker in educational establishments and similar organizations. Radio and television broadcasts have been sponsored. AMAPES has attempted to increase awareness among physicians of the risks of smoking to their own health and of the poor example they set for patients. Personal contacts with influentials are intended to promote antismoking legislation. The educational activities stress the goals of preserving traditional values and promoting better health, quality of life, self-esteem, and confidence. The antismoking campaign has not yet been formally evaluated, but the volume of requests to the association for additional information about the dangers of smoking and the contemplation of new antismoking laws by Parliament indicate that the goal of sensitizing the population to the problems of tobacco use has been attained. In the future, AMAPES will seek to collaborate closely with the World Health Organization and other organizations experienced in smoking prevention.