Number of people smoking increases despite ban

DESPITE the introduction of the smoking ban nearly three years ago, smoking levels have increased in this country, according to a national study of Irish health and lifestyles.

The SLÁN research on attitudes to health and nutrition found 29% of the country smoke compared with 27% five years ago.

Anti-smoking lobbyist ASH Ireland has, as a result, called for a 50 cent increase in the cost of cigarettes, the removal of all smoking advertising from shops and a huge investment in educating young people on the health risk of tobacco usage.

Overall, however, the study revealed that half of the population described their health as “excellent” or “very good” with only 3% describing it as “poor”.

Of those questioned, 55% reported being physically active, or exercising for up to 20 minutes two to three times a week.

A sharp decrease was recorded in the numbers who reported “risky drinking” or having six or more standard drinks at least once a week. This figure had dropped 17% from 45% in 2002 to 28% last year.

The report also shows that up to 86% of respondents admitted eating more sugary and high-fat foods than recommended.

The survey goes on to reveal that the Irish diet is rapidly changing, with 77% of those questioned eating the recommended four daily servings of fruit and vegetables compared with just 56% in 1998.

However, the report suggests, we’re not eating the recommended six or more servings of carbohydrates with just 26% eating six daily portions of cereals, breads and potatoes. In 1998, this figure stood at 56%.

Up to 84% of those questioned said they could always afford to buy enough food for their household with just 4% saying they sometimes couldn’t afford enough food for their family.

The report also reveals that breast-feeding campaigns appear to be working, with 42% of Irish women having breast-fed at least one of their children compared to 32% in 2002. Even bigger increases in breast-feeding were recorded in the 18-29 age group.

More than half of those questioned, 55%, reported being involved in community work compared with 59% in 2002.

Reacting to the findings regarding smoking levels Professor Luke Clancy of ASH Ireland said he was concerned the study showed that 56% of women, aged 18-29 and from the two lowest socioeconomic brackets, were smoking.

“Close to 7,000 people die from tobacco use in this country each year and billions of euro are expended by our health services in treating tobacco-related illness. The findings of this survey are a wake-up call for Government. The fight against tobacco is far from over — there is much more to do,” he said.