#119: ‘Third of South Africa smokes cigarettes’

Cape Town - Many South Africans are heavy smokers, spending at least R400 a month supporting their fix.

The 2012 Health24 Great SA Smoking Survey, sponsored by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, found that more than 50 percent of smokers puff between 11 and 30 cigarettes a day, and that about 33 percent of smokers started smoking at 15 and younger – too young to legally buy ciggies. About 45 percent started between 16 and 19, and two percent started after 30.

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The survey comes as the national health department proposes a total ban in public areas, and seeks to ban smoking within 10m of any building, walkway, window or door. Picture: Shayne Robinson

It is illegal to sell tobacco products to under-18s, or to smoke in private cars containing children under 12, or in public unless in a specific zone.

Of the 8 262 surveyed – including smokers, ex-smokers and non-smokers – 39 percent were active smokers. About 42 percent smoked between 11 and 20 a day while 17 percent smoked between 21 and 30, and about seven percent smoked more than 30.

People who smoked more than 30 a day spent R1 620 a month, those who smoked 16 to 20 a day paid up to R810, and those who smoked 11 to 15 a day paid just over R600.

The survey comes as the national health department proposes a total ban in public areas, and seeks to ban smoking within 10m of any building, walkway, window or door.

The smokers said the pleasurable puff came after day-to-day routines, when stressed or under pressure. About 44 percent said the most satisfying was after meals, a drink or sex, while 27 percent said the first cigarette of the day was the most pleasing.

Thirty-six percent said they “enjoy smoking too much”, 53 percent had tried quitting more than once, and 19 percent had tried up to six times.

Desire for a healthy lifestyle was the main reason for trying to quit, while cost was the second major driver. Pressure from the family, including children, was another factor.

Of those who relapsed, 40 percent blamed people smoking around them, 32 percent craved a cigarette, while others couldn’t handle withdrawal symptoms or enjoyed it “too much”.

More than 90 percent were aware of stringent laws, but only seven percent quit because of them.

National Council Against Smoking director Peter Ucko said more than 44 000 South Africans die from smoking-related illnesses every year. There were fewer smokers than 12 years ago when the legislation was introduced. - Cape Argus