From 2003 to 2023, the price of a pack of cigarettes has more than doubled, from 4.10 to 10.65 euros on average. Some brands have even displayed 11 euros since May 2023. In this context, the public authorities expect a notable reduction in the number of smokers among students. This optimism is, however, puzzling, given the latest figures on smoking published by Public Health France.
Are students more prone to smoking?
THE smoking among students has always been a worrying phenomenon in France. That said, it is often masked by a larger public health problem, namely smoking. Targeting is therefore insufficient to effectively help this population quit smoking. Thus, students rely on various solutions such as Voopoo e-cigarettes, nicotine substitutes, patches, etc.
With this approach, the results depend above all on the profile and motivation of each person. Analysts, however, deplore a negligible number of intentionists (smokers intending to quit) among 18 to 25 year olds. However, 48% of 20 to 25 year olds smoke, according to the study on smoking by Public Health France for the year 2022. Published at the end of 2022, the report was updated on the occasion of the World No Tobacco Day (May 31st).
According to this study, France has 15 million smokers, 12 million of whom smoke every day. A slight decline can therefore be noted compared to the 13.5 million French people smoking regularly in 2013. Likewise, the rate of smokers fell from 26% to 19.1% among students between 2017 and 2022. The prevalence of However, daily consumption remains high compared to the 5% observed among 76 to 85 year olds or the 16.8% of graduate workers.
Why do they tend to smoke?
The fight against smoking among students is particularly problematic because of the many factors to consider. On the one hand, these profiles are under considerable pressure, coming from loved ones, from themselves and from competitive environments. And the associated anxiety tends to worsen during exam periods. On the other hand, they are known for their financial fragility. However, lack of resources is recognized as an aggravating factor in smoking.
Furthermore, smoking is commonly accepted as a sign of belonging. This ritual allows you to be part of a specific group within the student population. It can also be used as a form of distinction on a social level. In both cases, cigarettes fulfill a significant function in the student’s social life. It then becomes difficult to stop.
Finally, some students live alone for the first time when they join university. They therefore seek to make the most of the situation. Moreover, curious or occasional smokers quickly become dependent in this environment without roommates, without parents and without constraints. They then increase their daily consumption due to the stressful and sometimes depressing side of student life.
The electronic cigarette: an alternative to quitting smoking?
The electronic cigarette is currently one of the various avenues considered to fight against smoking among students. Many young people even use this solution to quit smoking. However, results vary depending on profiles, motivations and level of dependence. Vaping nevertheless allows you to reduce the number of real cigarettes consumed per day.
Concretely, the electronic cigarette allows you to reproduce the actions of a smoker on a daily basis. This is therefore an interesting alternative to facilitate weaning. The effectiveness of the technique, however, depends on the products used in the vaporizer. The e-cigarette will be of no use with refills with a high nicotine content. The smoker will only change the way he consumes this substance.
In other words, vaping itself is not a solution to quitting smoking. It just helps smokers who really want to quit. In this case, it will be necessary to gradually reduce the nicotine content of the vape refills. The intentionist must also monitor the duration and frequency of vaping sessions. Finally, it is important to stay on the lookout for nicotine substitutes on the market. The transition can then be done without nicotine and without a hitch.
