Advocacy at a national level: Proposal of tobacco control policy based on research findings

Abstract

The biggest findings in epidemiologic research in the twentieth century were to identify the health hazards of smoking. To bridge the gap between the epidemiologic research findings and practice, it is necessary to develop effective methods for smoking intervention based on theoretical background of behavior science. The five-phase model for cancer control proposed by Greenwald and Cullen is useful for planning intervention studies. It consists of hypothesis generation, methods development, individual-based controlled intervention trials, intervention studies in defined populations, and demonstration projects.
Although effective intervention methods have been developed, it does not lead to a nation-wide increase of practice. To bridge the gap between the scientific evidence from intervention studies and the practice, it is necessary to promote policy research, which create the evidence for policy making and develop effective methods for advocacy.
Tobacco control in Japan is behind internationally. Smoking is still the most preventable cause of death in Japan. Policy research is strongly needed to promote tobacco control and prevent the serious health damage due to smoking.