Tobacco use in Catalonia drops almost 2% in 2019

Tobacco consumption for both men and women has decreased by 1.7% in Catalonia compared to 2018, according to the Health Survey of Catalonia (ESCA) 2019.

The study found that 23.9% of the adult population smokes, compared to 25.6% the previous year.

Smoking rates were higher for men, at 29.2%, than for women, at 18.8%.

An estimated 9,030 deaths a year, or 25 deaths a day, are attributable to tobacco use, accounting for one in six deaths. 

The decline shown by the 2019 survey comes after a rise was noted in 2018.

The profile of the smokers differed between men and women. The typical male smoker is between 15 and 44 years old, from a less privileged social background and with secondary education. Female smokers on the other hand are typically 45 to 64 years old from any social background and also have secondary education.

9 out of 10 people said they enjoyed a smoke-free environment.

A separate survey commissioned by the organizing committee of Setmana Sense Fum, or Smoke Free Week, has revealed that during lockdown 7% of smokers gave it up, 17.8% smoked less, 35.7 % smoked the same as before, and 39.3% smoked more.