Juliette Gagliardi
Junior Researcher
Smoking in Italy - Statistics & Facts
Tobacco smoking is a leading cause of premature deaths from cancer, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Over the last years, the prevalence of smokers in Italy has declined mostly due to health concerns and rising prices. However, the decline of cigarettes may be counterbalanced by an increase in demand for heated tobacco and e-cigarette products, which around 30 percent of Italians believed are a surrogate or a valid alternative to smoking cigarettes in 2019. In 2023, around 19.3 percent of the Italian population older than 14 years smoked, whereas in 2010 this figure amounted to 22.8 percent. Globally, as well as in Italy, smoking is generally more common among males than among females of every age.
Assistance for those looking to quit
Italy has introduced laws banning smoking in enclosed public places to combat the issues of second-hand smoke and to encourage people to quit smoking. To assist current smokers who want to quit this habit, the Italian National Health Service provides several cessation programs and services. In 2023, there were 241 anti-smoking facilities to support smokers quitting this habit in Italy. The most common services provided by these facilities are individual counseling, drug medication, group and individual psychotherapy.Alternatives to traditional cigarettes
Electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTP) have emerged as forms of smoking devices seen as an alternative to traditional cigarettes. As of 2023, they are the second most used tobacco product in Italy after cigarettes. The main users of e-cigarettes in Italy are younger individuals, between 18 and 24 years, and male. According to a 2019 survey conducted in Italy, roughly 69 percent of HTP users and nearly 60 percent of e-cigarette users expressed no intention of quitting this habit in the near future. In terms of the influence on health, most Italians did not perceive a significant difference between traditional cigarettes and novel smoking devices.
