The war has caused Ukrainians to smoke more

With the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, more Ukrainians have started smoking, according to the results of a national survey conducted by KMIS. Representatives of the "Healthy Initiatives" public organization claim that, based on a comparative analysis of surveys conducted by KMIS at the beginning of 2021 and the end of 2022, the number of smokers has increased by nearly 5% since the start of the Russian invasion.

The percentage of Ukrainians who do not smoke at all has decreased by 4.7% compared to the beginning of 2021 and currently stands at 68.8%. Two years ago, the percentage of non-smokers was 73.5%. When directly asked those who did not smoke before the war, 5.5% of Ukrainians responded that they started smoking and are unable to quit. Interestingly, the majority of those who started smoking heavily consume regular cigarettes, which are associated with the highest health risks.

The survey also highlighted the importance of regulating tobacco products for electronic heating (TPRH) and electronic cigarettes alongside traditional tobacco products. Prohibiting their use in indoor spaces and banning flavorings in cigarettes and e-cigarette liquids are crucial factors in combating the consumption of these addictive products. The Ukrainian Ministry of Health (MOH) has confirmed that tobacco use can increase during emergencies.

"For example, based on our research, a significant portion of tobacco and nicotine product consumers are dependent on products with aromatic additives. It is evident that aromatic additives are successful marketing tools for these health-hazardous products. As of July 11, 2023, according to new legislation, cigarettes and e-cigarette liquids with aromatic additives will be banned for sale, which will contribute to further reducing tobacco use," the ministry states.

The main results of the KMIS survey are as follows:

• Approximately 27.4% of respondents (44.0% of men and 13.7% of women) currently use any tobacco or nicotine products. Among them, 23.0% are daily consumers (37.5% of men and 11.1% of women).
• Cigarettes remain the most commonly used tobacco product (83% of all tobacco consumers).
• The prevalence of using novel tobacco and nicotine products is relatively low: e-cigarettes (3.3%), TPRH (3.0%), and hookah (2.6%).
• Among the main reasons for using TPRH, users mentioned the possibility of using them in places where traditional smoking is prohibited (54.3%).
• Among the main factors for consuming e-cigarettes, users mentioned appealing flavor additives (50.0%) and social norms (42.3%).

Dr. Jarno Habicht, the representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Ukraine, warns against misleading beliefs that novel tobacco products help quit smoking and emphasizes the need for strict regulation.

It should be noted that starting from July 11, 2023, according to new legislation, cigarettes and e-cigarette liquids with aromatic additives will be banned for sale in Ukraine.

Today, the world observes World No Tobacco Day. This day was proposed by the World Health Organization in 1987 and is celebrated on May 31 each year. The goal of the day is to actively promote the reduction of harmful tobacco addiction, including combating smoking in all layers of society.

Raising awareness among the public about the harmful and detrimental effects of tobacco on the health of both smokers and those around them can positively influence smokers' self-awareness. With sufficient knowledge about the harm of smoking to health and the available methods to quit this harmful habit, many individuals strive to break free from nicotine addiction.