2023-06-22 08:00:31
In 2022, there were almost a third of adult smokers in France compared to 20% worldwide. This is revealed by a recent survey by Santé Publique France according to which social inequalities remain very pronounced when it comes to tobacco. Health on the net takes stock.
State of tobacco use in France
As every year, Santé Publique conducted a survey aimed at taking stock of smoking in France. Conducted by Ipsos with 3,230 people, between March and July 2022, its results were published in the Weekly epidemiological bulletin. It shows that while the prevalence of smoking fell significantly between 2016 and 2019, it then tended to stabilize in 2022. Last year, there were 31.8% of adult smokers in France aged 18 to 75, compared to 20% worldwide..
This survey also revealed:
An over-representation of men among smokers (35% of men once morest 28% of women). A decrease in the number of smokers seeking to quit smoking in 2022 (25% compared to 30% in 2019). A drop in the number of smokers signing up for the “Month without Tobacco” campaign.
These figures might be explained by the Covid 19 pandemic, which may have had an impact on the population’s tobacco consumption, as well as by the slight increase in tobacco prices in 2021 and 2022. However, the pricing policy might be part of the control strategy of the next anti-tobacco plan. An increase of 50 cents in the price of the package is indeed planned in 2023, as well as an increase of 35 cents in 2024.
Read also – May 31, World No Tobacco Day
Not all are equal when it comes to smoking
Another observation from this survey: social inequalities remain very pronounced when it comes to tobacco. 26% of working people declare themselves to be smokers compared to 42% of the unemployed. And the prevalence of smoking remains highest among the third of the population with the lowest incomes (33.6%). For the president of the Société francophone de tabacologie, these differences might be explained by the fact that tobacco control policies seem to have a greater impact within the more privileged social classes. Hence the interest of carrying out targeted actions with more modest people by offering them, for example, personalized support as well as help with smoking cessation.
To know ! Three indicators make it possible to analyze social inequalities relating to smoking: diploma, income and professional situation.
As for vaping, its prevalence has been increasing steadily since 2016. Thus, in 2022, 42% of adults aged 18 to 75 have already tried electronic cigarettes, compared to nearly 39% in 2021.
A new National Tobacco Control Program is currently in preparation and will be launched this year. The objective displayed by the Ministry of Health? Achieving a first generation without tobacco in 2032. To achieve this, it will be a question of better preventing the onset of smoking and dissuading current smokers while accompanying them towards weaning. Particular attention should therefore be paid to young people and to the reduction of social inequalities linked to tobacco. A major challenge but worth it when you know that tobacco remains the leading cause of avoidable death in France!
Read also – What are the biological consequences of smoking?
Déborah L., Doctor of Pharmacy
Sources
– In 2022, France still has nearly 12 million daily smokers. santepubliquefrance.fr. Accessed June 5, 2023.
– A third of French people smoke: smoking stops declining, affecting the most disadvantaged. www.lequotidiendumedecin.fr. Accessed June 5, 2023.
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