Number of smokers rises in Kazakhstan

Tengrinews.kz - The Bureau of National Statistics has reported an increase in the number of smokers in Kazakhstan, according to a survey conducted in July 2024 across all regions, including Astana, Almaty, and Shymkent.

The survey included one representative from each of the 11,824 households with members aged 15 and older. The results showed that 20.7% of the population currently smokes, up from 19.4% in 2023. Among the respondents, 39.8% of men and 7.6% of women were identified as smokers. Smoking rates were higher in rural areas at 22.3%, compared to 20% in urban areas. The highest smoking rates were recorded in the East Kazakhstan region, where 27.6% of the population smokes. Furthermore, 83.7% of smokers prefer commercially produced cigarettes.

The survey also revealed that 9.2% of the population is exposed to tobacco smoke at home, with 8.5% being non-smokers. At workplaces, 6.6% are exposed to secondhand smoke, 6.2% of whom are non-smokers. In dining establishments, 11.5% of respondents are exposed to tobacco smoke, with 10.9% being non-smokers.

Despite 85.8% of respondents acknowledging the serious health risks associated with smoking, only 4.6% are opposed to family members using tobacco products. Meanwhile, 72.2% of respondents support legislative measures that would completely ban smoking in all public places.

On July 15, new regulations came into effect, setting the minimum retail price for cigarettes at 820 tenge per pack.