What Causes Significant Decrease In Smoking Rates?

Smoking has been one of the main causes of health problems for the longest time. But now, researchers have good news: Smoking rates are currently at 'all-time lows'. The number of smokers have declined during the past years and it continues to decrease. What could be the cause?

According to ABC News, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) did a research on people's smoking patterns. From there, researchers have found less than 13 percent of Australians comprise the daily smokers. Tim Beard, AIHW spokesman, said that 11 out of 14 indicators that measure smoking rates are moving to a positive direction. Beard added that the current rate is one of the lowest in the world.

Beard said that since 2010, the rate has decreased by three percentage points. Compared to the rates two decades ago that were 21 to 22 percent, the current data show that the number of smokers decreased by almost 50 percent. Apparently, it is a huge drop especially when compared to some international rates.

Researchers have also found that fewer young people were experimenting with cigarettes. Apart from the high school students taking up at a lower rate, they are actually taking it up at a later time.

Among the possible causes of the improvements are the more restrictive laws, high prices, and plain packaging. Beard said that at present, it is still hard to determine the exact cause.

Meanwhile, The Guardian reported that England is likewise experiencing a dramatic decline in smoking rates. According to research, one out of six adults are smokers at present. This has led to the recent collapse in cigarette sales. Reports also indicate that the number of smokers in England is at its lowest level. Health campaigners claim that the decline is due to tough measures and media campaigns against smoking. Among the said tough measures are plain packaging and price rises which are noticeably as the said possible causes of the smoking rate decline in Australia.

As of writing, the exact causes of the dramatic decrease in smoking rates in both countries are not yet clear. What is definite is that numerous people are on their way to a better health.