By Andrea Sophocleous
MORE than three and half per cent of primary school children in Cyprus smoke, according to a recent study, and the figure is much higher among high school and university students.
The results of the study, which was carried out by two University of Cyprus students under the supervision of Professor Eleni Costa and in collaboration with the Cyprus anti-Cancer Society, were announced at yesterday’s lauch of International Non-Smoking Day celebrations.
Non-Smoking Day is tomorrow, May 31, but it was observed by the anti-Cancer Society last night with songs and bicycle races at Eleftheria Square.
According to an anti-Cancer Society representative, the study used random samples of 3,337 students from primary schools, gymnasiums, lyceums, technical schools and the University of Cyprus across all income groups and from all areas of Cyprus.
The study confirms that the proportion of students who smoke is high, despite increased government and official attempts to raise awareness about the risks.
The results show that 3.6 per cent of primary school pupils smoke cigarettes; the figure is 16 per cent for gymnasium pupils, 32.8 per cent for lyceum pupils and 54.8 per cent for technical school pupils; 31.7 per cent of University of Cyprus students smoke.
Health Minister Christos Solomis meanwhile, speaking at a separate Press Conference launching International Non-Smoking Day, presented the results of another scientific study of smoking habits in Cyprus, and noted that initial results showed that one in four Cypriots were smokers.
“International Non-Smoking Day,” the Minister said, “gives those working for the protection of health the opportunity to reject this harmful habit and to express their decision to fight it until smoking disappears completely from our planet.”
He pointed to international studies revealing that 3.5 million people die every year from smoking-related diseases and to the fact that 20 per cent of deaths in developed countries are due to smoking.
The Health Minister said his department would continue to fight smoking through the promotion of anti-smoking programmes already in place in 15 high schools.
He pointed out that only five per cent of smokers took up the habit after the age of 24; anti-smoking education should therefore focus on young people and children.
The minister further announced that government policy would aim to educate and inform people on the harms of smoking, would raise taxes on cigarettes, enforce a complete ban on cigarette advertising and legislate for a smoke- free environment.
