France has 15 million smokers, or a quarter of the population. According to smoking figures published in 2022, women smoke more while young men smoke less.
15 million French smoke whose 12 million daily, or a quarter of the total population. After a decline in smoking between 2014 and 2019, its prevalence is stabilize and increases even in women and the less educatedaccording to figures updated by Public Health France on December 13, 2022. “A impact of the health and social crisis linked to COVID-19 could explain the interruption of the decline in the prevalence of smoking in France and the increase observed in certain groups” says the health agency. All the tobacco figures in France.
How many French people smoke in France?
According to figures published at the end 2022 by Public Health France, 15 million French smoke (34.7% of men and 29.2% of women) of which 12 million daily (27.8% among men and 23% among women). The prevalence of occasional smoking is 6.6% and not significantly different between men (6.9%) and women (6.3%). 5% of 76-85 year olds smoke.
What is the evolution of smoking in France?
There is a decline in smoking among men aged 18 to 24.
After one drop in smoking on an “unprecedented” scale in France between 2014 and 2019the latest data from the France Public Health Barometer confirm the stabilization of smoking prevalence in 2021 observed in 2020. On the other hand, the data show a increase in daily smoking among women and the less educated people (having no diploma or a diploma lower than the baccalaureate) between 2019 and 2021. This increase “could be partly linked to a stronger impact of the COVID-19 crisis in these populations, with a use of cigarettes as a stress management tool, linked in particular to an increase in the mental load and a degradation of working conditions for women” argues the agency. Conversely, there is a “encouraging” drop in daily smoking from men aged 18-24. The two least “smoker” regions are Île-de-France and Pays de la Loire ; while two regions with the highest smoking prevalence are Occitania and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.
What are the figures for smoking among women?
A higher mental load during the Covid crisis has favored the rise in smoking among women.
29.2% of women smoke, 23% daily, 6% occasionally. the daily smoking is increasing among womenin France, according to 2022 data from Public Health France, rising from 20.7% in 2019 to 23% in 2021. The upward trend in smoking is mainly observed among young people women aged 35 to 44. The women smoke an average of 11.8 cigarettes per day versus 13.5 cigarettes in men. L’increase in smoking among women could be partly related to a stronger impact of the Covid crisis: they have more often lost their job, experienced a deterioration in their working conditions, and for women teleworking, a more frequent presence of children in the same roomemphasizes Public Health France. “The mental load was thus able to increase for the women, in particular during the confinementswith an accentuated daily and family management.” According to the Coviprev survey, being a woman was associated with a greater risk of increased tobacco use in 2020.
What are the figures for smoking among young people?
According to the Escapad survey of the OFDTevery year, about 200,000 young people start smoking in France
- The age of initiation to tobacco is around 13-14 years old.
- Among high school students in 2018, 53.0% said they had tried tobaccodown from 2015 (60.9%)
- Among 17-year-olds, at the national level, more than a quarter of 17-year-olds (25.1%) are daily smokers and nearly six out of 10 young French people have already tried to smoke.
- Among minors, at the age of 17, nearly one young girl in four has fallen into daily addiction.
- Out of 3 young people who test a tobacco product, “just to see”, at least two out of three become regular smokers for part of their life
How many cigarettes do the French smoke a day?
In 2021, daily smokers aged 18-75 reported smoking an average of 12.7 cigarettes (or equivalent) per day. The variation compared to 2020 is not significant. Women reported smoking on average less than men with 11.8 versus 13.5 cigarettes on average per day.
What is the mortality from smoking in France?
Smoking-related mortality is estimated at 75,000 deaths (2015 figures, latest), i.e. 13% deaths occurring in metropolitan France.
Sources:
National and regional prevalence of smoking in France in 2021 among 18-75 year olds according to the Public Health France Bulletin barometer of December 13, 2022.
The situation of female smoking in France 2022, National Committee against Smoking