Smoking simply too expensive for many

 

Research suggests that the increasing price of cigarettes in England is motivating more individuals, with one in four adults attempting to quit smoking. While health concerns remain the primary reason for quitting, emphasizing the potential financial savings from quitting could further encourage cessation efforts, according to a study from University College London.

Cigarettes are the leading preventable cause of death and disease in the UK, attributed to various health issues such as lung cancer, lung disease, and heart disease. Quitting smoking significantly reduces these health risks, even for long-term smokers.

The survey, conducted annually between 2018 and 2023, indicates a continuous rise in the proportion of individuals attempting to quit smoking, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic likely heightened awareness of the health risks associated with smoking, leading to increased health-motivated quit attempts.

Notably, the study found that a quarter of respondents cited the price of cigarettes as a reason for attempting to quit, up from a fifth before the pandemic. This suggests that the economic impact of smoking is becoming a more significant factor in cessation decisions.

Dr. Sarah Jackson from UCL suggests that promoting the financial benefits of quitting, such as reduced expenses by switching to e-cigarettes, could be effective in future government campaigns aimed at reducing smoking rates.

Previous research indicates that smokers spend an average of £20 per week on cigarettes, while e-cigarette users spend significantly less at £6.30 per week. As cigarette prices rise, smokers may either reduce their consumption or switch to cheaper alternatives, such as hand-rolled cigarettes.

Recent legislative efforts, such as the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, aim to address smoking rates in the UK by implementing strict smoking laws, including restrictions on cigarette sales to individuals born after 2009 and measures to make vaping less appealing to children.

Overall, the study underscores the importance of addressing both health and economic factors in smoking cessation efforts and suggests that increasing cigarette prices could play a significant role in motivating individuals to quit smoking.