Exploring personal investigation, an ARD journalist discovers reasons behind the rising smoking trend among younger Germans
In Germany, despite widespread knowledge of the health risks associated with smoking and historical evidence of its dangers, tobacco use remains prevalent. A multitude of interwoven factors contribute to this ongoing trend.
One significant factor is the deeply ingrained sociocultural acceptance of smoking. Historically, tobacco use has been a common feature in German social activities such as gatherings, parties, and business environments. This cultural normalization, though slowly changing with increasing health awareness, remains a powerful force in maintaining smoking rates [2].
The tobacco industry, including manufacturers of traditional and heated tobacco products (HTPs), has played a crucial role in perpetuating smoking habits. Aggressive marketing strategies, including significant commercial expenditures on advertising, have blurred public perception about the relative risks of tobacco use [3]. Furthermore, Germany's high number of cigarette vending machines per capita makes tobacco products easily accessible [2].
Economic and policy factors also contribute to smoking's persistence. Tobacco taxation is a substantial source of government revenue, creating a conflict between health priorities and fiscal needs for policymakers [1]. Germany has been slower than other European countries like the UK in implementing comprehensive tobacco control measures, such as strict advertising bans, large health warnings, or plain packaging [2]. The rise in the popularity of HTPs, marketed as less harmful alternatives, has further complicated the issue [3][4].
Health and demographic trends also play a role. Despite a general European trend of declining smoking rates, Germany has seen a substantial increase in heavy smokers, with regional variations showing particularly sharp increases in some federal states [1]. This rise in tobacco addiction is reflected in increased rates of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) diagnoses [1]. Smoking is more prevalent among lower socioeconomic groups and those with less education, who may have less access to health information or resources to quit [2].
In an effort to address these issues, green politician Linda Heitmann has suggested regulating aspects to reduce the incentive to smoke in Germany. Sweden, for instance, has reduced its smoking rate to six percent through the legalization of snus, e-cigarettes, and tobacco-free nicotine pouches [5]. However, the issue remains complex, with critics like Jan Mücke calling for increased regulation of alternative nicotine products [6].
The ongoing debate surrounding smoking in Germany underscores the need for comprehensive policy interventions to address this public health concern. As ARD reporter Sophie Labitzke, who has been smoking for 11 years and smoked up to 20 cigarettes a day, attempts to quit, the challenge is clear: despite its known dangers, smoking remains popular in Germany.
References: [1] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tobacco [2] https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/tobacco-control-in-the-eu [3] https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/heated-tobacco-products [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7582487/ [5] https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sweden-smoking-idUSKBN2B21K5 [6] https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-health-tobacco-idUSKBN25F1K6
Science and health-and-wellness are inextricably linked, as the health risks associated with smoking are well-documented in scientific research. However, this knowledge has not significantly reduced tobacco use in Germany, where the tobacco industry's aggressive marketing strategies and the deep-rooted sociocultural acceptance of smoking contribute to the ongoing trend.
