Evaluation of Tobacco Control Policy in Korea: Development and Application of the Korean Tobacco Index for Policy Monitoring and Evaluation

Abstract

Background: Due to lack of regular and systematic evaluation tool, Korea's tobacco control policy has not been examined its overall process of implementation including efficiency and adequacy of the policies. This study developed policy monitoring and evaluation model to assess policy implementation and effectiveness of tobacco control in Korea. Methods: Based on World Health Organization operational manual for assessment, MPOWER (monitor tobacco use and prevention policies, protect from tobacco smoke, offer help to quit tobacco use, warn about the dangers of tobacco, enforce bans on tobacco advertising promotion and sponsorship, and raise taxes on tobacco) related policies were reviewed by rating policy efforts, program me management, people (human resources and their development), provision of organization, provision of fund and partnerships (range, 0 to 5). Results: As a result of the experts' assessment, overall Korean tobacco control policies scored 2.61 points, which is poor. In relation to each 'MPOWER' policies, 'W' scored the highest points (2.93), followed by 'O' (2.91), 'M' (2.87), 'P' (2.86), and 'E' (2.23). 'R' scored the lowest points of 1.87, meaning government efforts in tobacco price policy is insufficient. Conclusion: This study concludes that Korean tobacco control policy should strengthen tax and price measures, while programme infrastructure, people, and funds for policy enforcement should be secured. Furthermore, rather than focusing on one specific measure, a balanced approach reflecting various aspects of tobacco controls should be considered in order to decrease smoking rates and prevent smoking initiation.

Factors affecting hardcore smoking behaviors in Korean adults: Utilizing the Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey Data

“…보건복지부와 금연운동협의회에 의하면 2015년까지 약 1,000만 명의 성인이 흡연자로 추정되고 흡연율의 감소는 큰 폭의 변화가 없는 것으로 확인되었다 [4]. 특히 이러한 흡연율의 고착화 중 성인 남성 흡연율 약 40%선은 OECD(Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) 가입 국가 중 최고 수 준으로 흡연율을 낮추기 위한 사회적 노력은 절실히 필요한 상황이며 [5], 우리나라가 WHO의 FCTC (Framework Convention on Tobacco Control)에 비준해 있기 때문에 국제 조약 가입국가로 서 의무를 다해야 하는 측면에서도 흡연율을 낮추기 위한 노력은 시급한 실정이다 [6].…”