Ireland Health Survey: Youth Vaping on the Rise, 24% Usage Rate Among 18–34 Age Group

Key Points:

·Current use of e-cigarettes: The 18-34 age group has the highest rate of e-cigarette use, with a daily usage rate of 13.6% and an occasional usage rate of 10%. Among all adults in Ireland, 7.1% use e-cigarettes daily. 

·Traditional smoking status: The 45-54 age group has the highest daily smoking rate, at 13.3%. Among adults aged 18 and above, 10% smoke tobacco products daily. 

·Self-rated health status: The 35-44 age group has the highest self-rated health status, with 81.6% rating it as "good or very good". The elderly group aged 75 and above has the lowest self-rated health status, with only 61.9% rating it as good. Residents in Dublin and the HSE Southeast region have the best self-rated health status (78.5%).

【2Firsts News Flash】According to The Irish Times reported on July 11, the latest data shows that nearly one quarter of adults aged 18 to 34 smoke e-cigarettes daily or occasionally.

According to the results of the 2024 Irish Health Survey released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) on July 11, more than three-quarters of adults in Ireland rated their overall health as "good or very good" in 2024. The highest percentage was among the 35 to 44 age group, at 81.6%, while the lowest was among those aged 75 and above, at 61.9%.

Approximately 10% of adults aged 18 and over smoke tobacco products every day, while 7.1% use e-cigarettes daily. The highest daily smoking rate is among the 45 to 54 age group, reaching 13.3%. In the 18 to 34 age group, the highest rates of daily (13.6%) or occasional (10%) e-cigarette use are observed.

In terms of regions, the proportion of people aged 18 and above who self-assess their health as good is highest in the Dublin and Southeastern Health Service Executive (HSE) area, at 78.5%, and lowest in the Dublin and Central HSE area, at 72.5%.

The percentage of adults who consider their mental health to be good or very good is slightly lower, just below 71%. The proportion is lowest among the 18-24 age group at 50.8%, and highest among those aged 65 and above at 83.7%.

A survey has found that nearly 8% of adults have used marijuana in the past 12 months, with this proportion exceeding one-fifth (22%) among the 18-24 age group.

Nearly one-fifth of adults provide care or assistance to someone who needs it due to age-related issues, chronic health conditions, or physical weakness at least once a week. Among those providing care or assistance, individuals aged 55 and older spend the most time on average, providing care for up to 38 hours per week.

The survey was primarily conducted through an online questionnaire containing 100 questions and a "small number" of telephone interviews, with a total of approximately 5,101 adults surveyed. Data collection took place in November and December 2024.