摘要：In 2002, New York City implemented a comprehensive tobacco control plan that discouraged smoking through excise taxes and smoke-free air laws and facilitated quitting through population-wide cessation services and hard-hitting media campaigns. Following the implementation of these activities through a well-funded and politically supported program, the adult smoking rate declined by 28% from 2002 to 2012, and the youth smoking rate declined by 52% from 2001 to 2011. These improvements indicate that local jurisdictions can have a significant positive effect on tobacco control. An estimated one third of smokers will die of a smoking-related illness, losing, on average, 14 years of life. 1 In New York City, New York, in 2006, it was estimated that more than 7000 adults died from smoking-related illnesses, with these deaths accounting for approximately 14% of all adult deaths—or one in seven. 2 In 2002, tobacco control became a major priority of the New York City Health Department. At that time, a pack of cigarettes cost about $5.20, and smoking in bars, restaurants with fewer than 35 seats, and separate areas of workplaces was permitted. The adult smoking prevalence averaged 22% and showed no sign of change over the 10 preceding years. 3 To address tobacco use, the health department implemented a “Five Point Plan” in 2002, making it harder to smoke and easier to quit. This population-based tobacco control strategy consisted of an increase in the price of cigarettes, comprehensive smoke-free air legislation, access to cessation medications, mass media messages on the health consequences of smoking and secondhand smoke exposure, and evaluation of key interventions.
