Almost 90% of Russian smokers prefer cigarettes, but almost one in five has already preferred alternative electronic devices, according to a study by Romir Holding (available to TASS).
"87% of the respondents still prefer regular cigarettes. However, almost one in five (18%) respondents have already given preference to alternative electronic devices," the study says.
The survey data showed differences in the choice of smoking methods depending on the type of settlement. Cigarettes are most common among residents of million-plus cities and rural areas. The use of vapes is noted by 2% of respondents in cities with a population of one million and 11% in cities with a population of 100,000 to 500,000 people. Cigarillos are more often used by residents of cities with a population of 100,000 to 500,000 people. Age is also a significant factor. 100% of respondents aged 55 and over and 94% aged 45-54 use cigarettes. Among respondents aged 18-24, 69% use e-cigarettes, and 40% use vapes. Hookahs are used by 11% of respondents aged 25-34 years. Cigarillos are the least popular among young people aged 18-24.
The marital status of the respondents also influences preferences. Cigarettes are more often used by married or married respondents, e-cigarettes are more often used by unmarried or unmarried people, and vapes are more often used by unmarried or unmarried respondents.
According to the results of the study, 84% of respondents do not note an increase in the frequency of smoking in recent years. However, there are differences by region and socio-demographic groups. In the Volga Federal District, 23% of respondents began to smoke more often, while 89% of respondents noted no changes in the Central District. The increase in nicotine consumption was more often recorded by residents of cities with a population of one million and rural areas, while 88% of respondents from cities with a population of 100,000 - 500,000 people did not notice any changes.
In turn, age analysis shows that the increase in smoking frequency is more often noted by respondents 55 years and older and aged 45-54 years. At the same time, 89% of the survey participants aged 25-34 reported no changes. The level of education, as the authors of the study note, also affects the dynamics: the increased frequency of smoking is more often noted by people with secondary education and specialized secondary education. Among respondents with higher education, 91% do not observe any changes in the frequency of nicotine consumption.
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