Nearly half (45%) of smokers have been smoking more since the pandemic began, with lockdown boredom and anxiety the key drivers of the increase.
Public Health England is urging people to quit smoking for 28 days in October, with the aim of stopping smoking permanently, as part of its Stoptober campaign this month.
A survey of 2,000 people across England found that many smokers are concerned about the effect that the easing of restrictions will have on their smoking habits, with around half (47%) stating that seeing friends and socialising more would make them more likely to want to smoke and 30% admitting that going back into the workplace will also mean they will want to smoke more.
Boredom during lockdowns (43%) and anxieties about the pandemic (42%) have contributed to individuals smoking more than they would usually.
One in five (19%) said that work-related stress had caused them to smoke more frequently.
Data from the monthly University College London Smoking Toolkit Study indicates a large increase in smoking among the under-35s since the pandemic – up from 18% in 2019 to 24% currently.
“Since the pandemic hit we’ve seen an increase in 18 to 34 year olds taking up smoking, which is why Stoptober is as vital as ever. Now in its 10th year it’s supported over two million smokers to give quitting a go,” said Scott Crosby, tobacco control programme manager at Public Health England.
“Quitting smoking will not only immediately improve your physical health but also your bank balance. Research shows that if you can make it to 28 days smoke-free then you are five-times more likely to quit for good.”
Asked about their attitude towards smoking, more than half (54%) of the survey respondents said they wanted to quit, with 55% stating that they should do so for their health and 52% in order to save money.
The strength of addiction and cravings were cited as the biggest obstacle to quitting by 43% of respondents, followed by the stress of everyday life (42%).
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Eluned Hughes, head of health advice at Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation, said smoking puts people at greater risk of developing conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
“It is vital, now more than ever, that people protect their lungs by giving up this deadly habit. No matter how long you have been a smoker, it is never too late to give up, and if you do already have a lung condition, then quitting is one of the best things you can do to help yourself,” said Hughes.
