The number of non-smokers in Latvia is decreasing and is currently the lowest in the last five years, according to the latest Mana Aptieka & Apotheka Health Index.
Smoking is the leading cause of premature death in the European Union, including Latvia, according to the Center for Disease Prevention and Control. Substances in tobacco products significantly impact immunity, accelerate ageing and contribute to disease, and alternative smoking devices are far from being considered less harmful.
At the moment, 46 percent of people in Latvia do not smoke and do not use other nicotine-containing products, compared to 52 percent a year earlier. Non-smokers are mainly those with higher education, 60 percent, and women and senior residents aged over 65, at 55 percent.
On the other hand, respondents with primary education are more likely to be smokers (66 percent), as well as men (64 percent) and people who live an unhealthy lifestyle (63 percent). The Health Index survey also indicates that awareness of the dangers of smoking and concern for one’s health is to some extent associated with the level of education of respondents – the lower the level of education, the higher the proportion of smokers.
According to the survey, 26 percent of respondents aged 18-75 smoke regularly, and the proportion has remained very similar over the last seven years. People with primary education also predominate among regular smokers – 45 percent, while only 12 percent have a higher education. There is also a significant gender gap, with 37 percent of men smoking regularly compared to only 15 percent of women.
Mana Aptieka & Apotheka Health Index survey has been carried out for eight years. The index has been developed in cooperation with SKDS research company. Each year, more than 1,000 residents aged 18-75 are interviewed for the survey.
Source: BNS
(Reproduction of BNS information in mass media and other websites without written consent of BNS is prohibited.)