Increase in smoking in the midst lockdown was recorded in Greece, according to a nationwide survey by the Papastratos company, which was conducted in March 2021.

More specifically, the poll demonstrated that 27.21% of smokers increased their smoking frequency during the pandemic, while 71% admitted that they started smoking again, even though they had quit.

In fact, the highest rates of increase in smoking were observed among the self-employed and the unemployed -two social groups facing high economic uncertainty.

Meanwhile, 51.1% stated that there is insufficient information about the benefits of quitting smoking and how to do so, with the overwhelming majority of the public (over 88%) believing that There should be adequate information and access to information regarding alternatives to smoking.

Regarding the impact of smoking on relationships between smokers and nonsmokers, more than half of the smokers (51.7%) reported that this harmful habit bothers their partner, with roughly the same percentage (50.5%) of nonsmokers believing that People who smoke are less attractive and desirable.

It is also particularly interesting that 38.8% admitted that Smoking is often a source of tension and arguments with their loved ones.

The main findings of the study

Back in her day pandemic We Greeks have taken a step backward in the fight to reduce and eliminate smoking
27.21% of smokers reported that they are smoking more during this period. The increase in smoking frequency is linked to population groups that are experiencing greater pressure, stress, and insecurity at this time.
84.31% of smokers are concerned that smoking has serious health consequences.
18.41% of smokers do not know which substances in cigarettes are harmful to their health.
More than 88% of smokers and all respondents believe that they should have adequate information and access to information regarding alternatives to smoking.
51.61% of smokers report that They are unaware of the differences between conventional cigarettes and alternative tobacco products.
The overwhelming majority of respondents (91.1%), state that when choosing the right alternative smoking product, the science and technology behind it should be taken seriously into account.
60.5% of the population states that if someone close to them uses a smoke-free alternative, it does not bother them as much as if that person were smoking cigarettes.
In addition to its harmful effects on health, smoking also appears to have a significant negative impact on interpersonal relationships, with the 49% survey of smokers reporting that Smoking is a source of disagreements and arguments with their partner.
One in two families (49%) do not allow smoking in their homes.

– How did smoking, the health crisis, and the ongoing lockdowns affect you?;

27.21% of smokers reported that they are smoking more during this period. The majority of them stated self-employed ή unemployed.
7% of smokers reported that although they had quit smoking, they started smoking again during the pandemic

– How much do smokers know about the effects on their health?;

84.3% of smokers are concerned that smoking has serious health consequences.
Smokers cite as the most harmful component of a cigarette the tar at a rate of 54.3%, the nicotine at a rate of 15.5% and the carbon monoxide 11.8%. 18.4% of smokers said they didn't know!

– What do Greeks think about alternative products?;

60.5% of the population states that if someone close to them uses a smoke-free alternative, it does not bother them as much as if that person were smoking cigarettes. This view is shared by 63.8% of nonsmokers and 65.6% of former smokers.
37.4% of the respondents reported that they had suggested to a smoker that they quit smoking cigarettes and try an alternative.
58% of smokers do not choose to switch from conventional cigarettes because They believe that alternative products will not satisfy them as much as cigarettes.
45.61% of the population believes that alternative smoking products are less harmful to health than smoking.

– To what extent are Greeks aware of alternative smoking products?;

One in two smokers (51.1%) says there is not enough information available about the benefits of quitting smoking and how to do so.
The switch from conventional cigarettes to a less harmful alternative, such as e-cigarettes or heated tobacco products, is hindered by the lack of information.
48.2% of smokers said they knew little or nothing about alternative smoking products.
Only 30% of the total population knows the key differences between conventional cigarettes and alternative tobacco products.
51.61% of smokers report that they are unaware of the differences between conventional cigarettes and alternative tobacco products.
Even among the 29.2% of those who use alternative products, many report that they do not know exactly what the differences are.
More than 88% of smokers and the general public believe that they should have adequate information and access to information regarding alternatives.

– How does smoking affect family and social life?;

51.7% of smokers with a non-smoking partner report that their smoking habit bothers their partner.
The 49% survey of these smokers indicates that smoking is a cause of disagreements and arguments with their partner.
30.7% of nonsmokers cited the smell of cigarette smoke in the room as the most bothersome thing when their partner is a smoker. 22.31% cited cigarette smoke, and 14.91% cited the smell on clothes, hair, or hands.
50.51% of non-smokers agree with the view that people who smoke are less attractive and desirable than those who do not smoke.
Eight out of 10 nonsmokers report that they have tried to persuade a smoker among their family or friends to quit smoking.
One in two families (48.9%) does not allow smoking in their home.
Non-smoker 61% reports feeling uncomfortable when visiting the homes of smokers because they do not feel at ease in a smoky environment.
Four out of 10 smokers (38.8%) report that their smoking often causes tension and arguments with loved ones in their social circle.
13.61% of smokers admitted that they hide the fact that they smoke from their loved ones or friends.
70.71% of non-smokers believe that smoking is an outdated habit, a fact that exerts additional social pressure on smokers, though it does not appear to be a factor motivating them to quit.