These results are consistent with the hypothesis that poor health status in Russia is related to dysfunction of social structures, socioeconomic deprivation, and lack of perceived control. The absence of informal social networks, vital for maintaining general welfare, seems to affect adversely self-rated health. Deprivation and low perceived control may provide a useful framework for many biological and behavioural factors. Shkolnikov Abstract Tobacco is a leading cause of avoidable death in Russia but there is relatively little information in the public domain about who is smoking. This paper seeks to determine the prevalence of smoking in Russia and its association with socio-demographic factors with data collected in the New Russia Barometer.
Smoking is common among males of all ages and in all areas.
Smoking is also more common among those suffering material deprivation. There is no independent association with education. Among men, but not women, church attendance is inversely associated with smoking. Among both sexes, heavy drinking and smoking are associated. Tobacco thus poses a major threat to the health of future generations in Russia, especially among women.