Gender, Tobacco Control and Elderly Persistent Smoking in Europe

Sep.14.2022
Gender, Tobacco Control and Elderly Persistent Smoking in Europe
The study analyzed the impact of gender and tobacco control policies on persistent smoking in older adults across 11 European countries.

A recently published study, titled "Gender, tobacco control policies, and sustained smoking among older adults: A longitudinal analysis of 11 European countries," gathered data from participants aged 50 and above who have a history of smoking and at least one smoking-related health condition from two surveys: the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) and the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). The study covered four waves from 2004 to 2013 and utilized gender-specific logistic regression models with fixed effects for both country and year. It also examined the interaction among gender, education, and the transfer control protocol (TCP).


Despite women being less likely to smoke than men, they are more likely to continue smoking once they start. The impact of education and general tobacco control policies only significantly affects women's likelihood of continued smoking. Compared to women with lower levels of education, those with moderate education (odds ratio [OR]=0.63; 0.49-0.82) and higher education (OR=0.57; 0.34-0.98) are less likely to continue smoking. There is a correlation between tobacco control policies and a reduced risk of sustained smoking among women (OR=0.70; 0.51-0.95), with a stronger association among women with lower levels of education.


Older women, especially those with lower levels of education, are more likely to continue smoking. A recent study has found that traditional Chinese medicine is effective in reducing continued smoking among older women, with a greater impact observed among those with lower levels of education.


Smoking Rates Among Japanese Men Decrease


Meanwhile, a study conducted in Japan in 2020 found that the smoking rate among Japanese men has dropped below 30% for the first time, specifically 28.8%.


According to the findings of a survey conducted by the Ministry of Health, individuals in their 40s smoke the most, with 37.6% of men and 13.4% of women being smokers. However, there is some good news as the overall smoking rate for men has decreased by 2.3 percentage points since the previous survey conducted in 2016, now standing at 28.8%.


According to the National Livelihood Survey conducted by the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare every three years, the smoking rate among women has decreased by 0.7 percentage points to 8.8%.


When grouped by age, smokers in their 20s experienced the biggest decrease, with a drop of 4.1 percentage points to 27% among males and a drop of 1.9 percentage points to 8.3% among females.


Statement:


This article is a compilation of information from a third party and is intended for industry-related communication and learning purposes.


This article does not reflect the views of 2FIRSTS and 2FIRSTS cannot verify the authenticity and accuracy of its content. The translation of this article is intended for industry communication and research purposes.


Due to limitations in the translation process, the translated article may not fully convey the same meaning as the original. Please refer to the original article for accuracy.


2FIRSTS maintains complete alignment with the Chinese government on any domestic, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, or foreign-related expressions and positions.


The compilation information belongs to the original media and authors. If there is any infringement, please contact to request removal.



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

Product | SnowPlus Launches Nicotine-Free DASH in South Korea, Localising an Established Disposable Platform
Product | SnowPlus Launches Nicotine-Free DASH in South Korea, Localising an Established Disposable Platform
SnowPlus has introduced a nicotine-free version of DASH in South Korea, adapting an existing overseas disposable platform for the local market. The Korean version retains the series’ flat duckbill-style mouthpiece, ceramic heating architecture and disposable form factor while reducing nicotine content to 0%. By comparison, the overseas DASH 4000 platform typically features 7.5ml of prefilled e-liquid, up to 4,000 puffs and a 530mAh rechargeable battery, with nicotine-containing variants available in some markets. The product update centers on formulation localisation rather than a new hardware generation.
Aug.31
French Vape Market Under Pressure as Europe’s First Listed Vape Company Kumulus Vape Reports 7.8% H1 Revenue Decline, Retail Sales Rise 41.5%
French Vape Market Under Pressure as Europe’s First Listed Vape Company Kumulus Vape Reports 7.8% H1 Revenue Decline, Retail Sales Rise 41.5%
Kumulus Vape, Europe’s first publicly listed vape company, reported a 7.8% year-on-year decline in first-half 2026 revenue. Amid changing conditions in France’s vape market, the company said channel diversification helped offset pressure, with physical store sales increasing 41.5% year on year. Listed on Euronext Access Paris in 2019 and later transferred to Euronext Growth Paris, Kumulus Vape is viewed as a representative company of Europe’s vape sector. Its performance highlights the industry’s shift from rapid expansion toward more operationally focused growth.
Jul.27
Japan’s Heated Tobacco Tax Reform Drives Price Increase as JT Raises All Ploom Sticks by ¥40
Japan’s Heated Tobacco Tax Reform Drives Price Increase as JT Raises All Ploom Sticks by ¥40
Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) has applied to Japan’s finance minister for approval to revise retail prices of its Ploom heated tobacco sticks following planned changes to the heated tobacco tax system from October 1, 2026. If approved, all 31 Ploom stick products will increase by ¥40. After the adjustment, EVO products will cost ¥620 per 20-stick pack, MEVIUS products ¥590 and CAMEL products ¥570. JT said the price revision is intended to respond to tax changes while maintaining product quality and brand value. The tax reform is expected to narrow the tax gap between combustible cigarettes and heated tobacco products, potentially reshaping pricing strategies in Japan’s heated tobacco market.
Jul.22
Product | JT to Launch MEVIUS Tropical Option in Japan, Expanding Ploom Tobacco Stick Lineup to 32
Product | JT to Launch MEVIUS Tropical Option in Japan, Expanding Ploom Tobacco Stick Lineup to 32
Japan Tobacco (JT) will launch MEVIUS Tropical Option, a new tobacco stick for Ploom, nationwide in Japan from October 6, 2026. The capsule-format product combines mango-oriented sweetness with menthol cooling, adding a tropical flavor to the MEVIUS Ploom tobacco-stick lineup for the first time. Each pack contains 20 sticks and will launch at JPY 590. The product is compatible with all Ploom devices, and its addition will expand the Ploom tobacco-stick portfolio to 32 variants.
Sep.08
Australia-China Operation Dismantles Tobacco Smuggling Network: 112 Containers, 60 Arrests and A$92 Million in Illicit Tobacco
Australia-China Operation Dismantles Tobacco Smuggling Network: 112 Containers, 60 Arrests and A$92 Million in Illicit Tobacco
According to The Maritime Executive on August 19, 2026, the Australian Border Force (ABF) and China’s Anti-Smuggling Bureau of General Administration of China Customs worked together to dismantle an international illicit tobacco smuggling network targeting Australia. According to information released by ABF on August 20, sustained information sharing and cooperation led to investigations into 112 shipping containers, with 91 found to contain illicit tobacco. Authorities seized more than 60 million cigarettes and 60 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco, representing more than A$92 million in unpaid duties. More than 60 people suspected of involvement in the network were arrested in China.
Aug.20
JT Plans ¥800 Billion Investment in Heated Tobacco Over Three Years, Betting on Ploom as Second Growth Engine
JT Plans ¥800 Billion Investment in Heated Tobacco Over Three Years, Betting on Ploom as Second Growth Engine
Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) CEO Takehiko Tsutsui said the company plans to invest about ¥800 billion (approximately US$5.4 billion) in heated tobacco products over three years through 2028, aiming to establish Ploom as a second growth engine after combustible cigarettes. Tsutsui said Ploom AURA helped JT increase its share of Japan’s heated tobacco market to 15.8% in the first quarter of 2026. Ploom products are now available in 29 markets, with Ploom AURA sold in 25 markets including Japan. JT also plans to continue its cigarette business while positioning its food operations, particularly frozen noodle products in North America, as another growth opportunity.
Jul.23