Research finds strong correlations between age and education

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 8: The popular notion that "smoke and it will go away" does not hold true for most Kuwaitis, both citizens and residents. A recent poll conducted by Ara’a Research and Consulting Company in June 2024 reveals that 65 percent of Kuwait's adult population are non-smokers. The poll, which sampled 500 citizens and residents, found that 69 percent of Kuwaiti citizens and 61 percent of residents do not smoke any form of cigarettes or hookah.

Smoking demographics

The survey results highlighted a significant gender disparity in smoking habits. Among males, 39 percent continue to smoke regular cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or hookah, whereas only 6 percent of females smoke. This indicates that smoking is predominantly a male habit in Kuwait.

Education and smoking rates

A striking finding from the survey is the correlation between educational attainment and smoking rates. The percentage of smokers decreases as educational qualifications increase. Those with "average or less" education have the highest smoking rate at 41 percent. This rate drops to 30 percent among high school graduates and further decreases to 26 percent among university graduates.

Age and health concerns

The survey results revealed that non-smoking rates are higher among older individuals. Among those over 55 years of age, 87 percent do not smoke. This compares to 62 percent of non-smokers aged 35-55 and 64 percent among those aged 18-34. The findings suggest that health concerns become more pronounced with age, leading to higher non-smoking rates in older populations.

Additionally, 20 percent of non-smokers quit smoking due to various reasons, primarily health problems. The remaining 80 percent had never smoked in their lives.

Motivations to quit smoking

Quitting smoking is on the minds of many current smokers. The survey showed that 74 percent of smokers, regardless of their smoking frequency (always, sometimes, rarely), are considering quitting. Health problems are the primary driver for this decision, with 50 percent citing this reason. Awareness of smoking's dangers and a desire to maintain health before it deteriorates motivate 31 percent of smokers.

Other reasons for contemplating quitting include financial savings (7 percent), setting a good example for children (6 percent), psychological fatigue from smoking (6 percent), and religious beliefs (5 percent).

Awareness and deterrents

Awareness of the health risks associated with smoking is the main deterrent, cited by 40 percent of non-smokers. Other deterrents include personal conviction (14 percent), religious beliefs (14 percent), upbringing in smoke-free environments (14 percent), and cultural customs and traditions (14 percent). Personal conviction is notably more significant among males (19 percent) than females (10 percent), while cultural customs have a stronger influence on females (21 percent) than males (4 percent).

Additional reasons for avoiding smoking include a dislike of smoking (10 percent), its unpleasant smell (6 percent), health conditions (5 percent), engaging in sports (4 percent), and having good company (2 percent). The financial aspect, including the savings from not buying cigarettes, accounted for 2 percent of the deterrents.

Reasons for smoking

Among smokers, 14 percent find smoking enjoyable and relaxing, enhancing their mood. Others (8 percent) do not care about their health, and 6 percent view smoking as necessary to manage work-related stress. However, 21 percent of smokers have no intention of quitting, citing addiction and lack of willpower as the main barriers (47 percent).

Types of tobacco use

Traditional cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product among 61 percent of smokers. E-cigarettes and hookah are used by 18 percent and 7 percent of smokers, respectively. Additionally, 9 percent of smokers use both cigarettes and hookah interchangeably.

Economic impact

The value of tobacco imports per person aged 20 and above has been declining since 2018, indicating increased awareness of smoking's dangers and its alternatives. The import value dropped from 28.75 dinars per person to 8.96 dinars, a 69 percent decrease over four years.

The market for imported traditional cigarettes in Kuwait is projected to reach $649.4 million (198.6 million dinars) in 2024, excluding other tobacco products and manufactured alternatives.

Ara’a Research and Consulting is a market research and marketing consulting firm with offices in Kuwait, Lebanon, and the UAE. The company provides expertise and services across various sectors, including automotive, banking, financial institutions, investment services, hospitality, retail, real estate, oil, and media.