Sharp Increase in Smoking Among Germans During COVID-19 Pandemic

Sep.01.2022
Sharp Increase in Smoking Among Germans During COVID-19 Pandemic
A long-term study shows a significant increase in smoking among adults in Germany since the outbreak of COVID-19.

According to a report by Berlin-based news agency Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa) on the 27th of August, a long-term study shows that since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the percentage of smokers in Germany has significantly increased.


The ongoing "German Smoking Behavior Survey" (DEBRA) has found that over a third (34.5%) of people aged 14 and older smoke.


According to a report, a representative survey observing the smoking habits of a broad population has shown that before the outbreak of the pandemic in early 2020, the smoking rate in Germany was approximately 27%.


Daniel Kötts, the epidemiologist and head of DEBRA, has expressed concern over the alarming increase in the number of smokers in Germany.


According to the report, Cotz attributed this trend to a resurgence of past smokers. Due to the stress and anxiety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, these individuals have begun smoking again.


However, he stated that unlike the situation in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, many young people in Germany have never smoked.


According to reports, the head of Germany's addiction problem center, Christina Rumer, also stated, "It is encouraging to see that fewer young people are smoking now. However, unfortunately, we are seeing the opposite trend among adults currently.


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