Survey stubs out SA smoking habits

Just under 40% of the 7000 respondents in the survey, cited the increased cost of cigarettes as one of the main smoking deterrents.

The survey, conducted over approximately a two-month period in association with Health24.com, gives in-depth insight into how smoking trends have changed as a direct result of the increased cost of living, tough economic times, stricter smoking legislation (40% of smokers agreed that SA legislation regarding tobacco advertising and restricting smoking in public areas is forcing people to consider quitting) and concerns around health (77% recognised the link between poor health and smoking).

“The survey is the first documented study on South African consumers and their smoking habits,” nicorette brand manager, Vanessa Sew Chung Hong said. “The main finding is that while consumers are aware of the health risks associated with smoking, many are unable to quit due to stressful work environment and the social ritual of smoking.”

Smoking is most satisfying when used to alleviate stress (33%) or when used as a ‘get up and go' in the morning (28%). 8% of smokers said that their most enjoyable cigarette was after having sex. The majority of smokers, according to the survey, are likely to light up as soon as they wake up (33%) or with their first cup of coffee (39%). And while the majority of participants claimed to be social smokers, 42% confessed to smoking 11 to 20 cigarettes per day.

“While attitudes towards smoking have changed, the impact that it has on individuals and the broader community is significant. Smoking and the consequences thereof are a major concern which needs to be addressed by industry players and the government. “Non-smokers are not only asking for further bans on smoking but more importantly for stricter enforcement of legislation,” Sew Chung Hong said.

Peer pressure still remains the top underlying factor linked to smoking - with 81% of smokers having started the habit before the age of 20. Taking up smoking after this easily influenced period of years becomes less likely with only 2% starting smoking when 30-years or older.

An overwhelming 89% of smokers have tried to quit smoking at one stage or another, indicating a high degree of dissonance amongst smokers. And while mind over matter, coupled with the desire to stop smoking is the first point of call, (85% of participants relied on willpower to stop smoking) most admitted to failing in their first few attempts (over 57% failed in their last six attempts to quit). Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), available in South Africa in the form of gum and patches, was the next smoking cessation option for quitters, with over 27% relying on NRT and additional assistance to quit smoking. Hypnotherapy and support groups both came in low at 4% and 5% respectively.

Stricter legislation from government, the ban on advertising of cigarette brands and a general shift in attitudes towards smoking revealed an overwhelmingly negative outlook on smoking, with 61% of participants having become more negative towards smoking in the past 12 months, while those who still maintained their contentment for the butt were at a low 4%.

“Conducting this national survey is just one way for nicorette to cement its commitment educating and informing people about smoking and the quitting solutions thereof,” adds Sew Chung Hong.