[Does tobacco control reach people with a migrant background?]

Abstract

Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of illness and death worldwide. The Dutch Government aims to reduce tobacco use to 5% of adults in 2040. Over 25% of the Dutch population has a migrant background. The prevalence of smoking is higher in certain migrant populations and cessation rates are lower than among native Dutch people. Social determinants, like culture, lifestyle and health skills together with limited knowledge of the healthcare system and distrust of healthcare institutions make that tobacco control measures do not reach them sufficiently, putting the 5% target at risk. In this article, we conclude that only by combining universal policies with culturally sensitive interventions, neighbourhood-focused cooperation, and coordinated efforts by healthcare providers, local authorities, employers, and social organisations these inequalities can be reduced.