Summary: | Background
Polish national Tobacco Control Program adopted for years 2014-2018 is a most important tool for reducing the harm related with tobacco use and monitoring the development of tobacco epidemic in Poland. Cancer Control Strategy adpoted for years 2015-2024, prepared by reowned Polish specialists in oncology and public health is a major strategic document describing the vision of development of cancer control in Poland, including tobacco control activities.
Methods
A 2-round modified Delphi survey sought opinions from Polish experts in the field of tobacco and cancer control, including representatives of Government, local authorities, medical universities and research institutions. In the first round, respondents were asked to assess the compability of goals, activities and solutions proposed both documents and share their opinions on issues and challenges that should be addressed in the future in order to improve tobacco control in Poland. In the second round, experts were asked to rate key concepts developed in the first round of the study and reach the consenus on the most important challenges that should be addressed in both documents.
Results
28 experts participated in the first round of the study. Experts have agreed that both documents are compatible in terms of propsed goals and main tasks. At the same time, they need to be updated with tasks and solutions concerning new challenges such as new tobacco products and use of e-cigarettes. Respondents noted that the problem of secondhand smoke is not perceived as an important tobacco control issue in the Cancer Control Strategy. The second round of the study is currently in progress and final results should be available by late August 2017.
Conclusions
Study participants agreed that both analysed documents, although generally compatible, need to be updated in order to effectively address future challenges in tobacco control.
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