Comparison of tobacco mortality in selected countries in Latin America

Objective: To compare tobacco-attributable mortality in selected countries in Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Mexico) from 2009 to 2013. Methods: Comparative Risk Assessment (CRA) was used to estimate attributable mortality. then the years of life expectancy lost (YELP) were calculated, following the methodology proposed by Arriaga. Secondary data from national statistical offices were used. Results: Argentina and Chile have the highest proportion of men dying from tobacco (14.4% and 14.3% of total deaths, respectively), followed by Mexicans (12.5% of total deaths). Among women, the highest proportion is Chile (8% of total deaths), followed by Mexico and Argentina (5.3% and 5.1% of total deaths, respectively). Brazil has the lowest mortality rate for men and women (5.4% and 2.8% of total deaths, respectively). In terms of life expectancy, Argentine men and women are most affected by smoking deaths, losing life expectancy of 1.77 and 0.65 years, respectively, followed by Chilean men and women. Conclusion: Men and women in Argentina lost the most years of life because of smoking. This is consistent with the anti-smoking policy being implemented in the country. In contrast, control policies are implemented faster in other countries under review. However, despite great efforts to reduce tobacco consumption, tobacco remains the leading cause of death in all these countries.