Heavy smoking among women highlighted

Research published today found nearly half of Irish women surveyed are heavy smokers and more women than men wanted to quit smoking.

The findings from a Nicorette survey found 45 per cent of Irish women are heavy smokers, compared to 55 per cent of Irish men. Heavy smokers were defined as those who smoke more than 15 cigarettes a day, with the average Irish smoker smoking 17 cigarettes a day.

When asked about quitting smoking, 68 per cent of Irish women said they would like to quit compared to 58 per cent of their male counterparts.

Regardless of gender, health and saving money were the top main reasons cited by respondents for stopping smoking.

Of people questioned, 34 per cent of respondents said willpower was their main quitting method.

According to Nicorette, which makes nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products, this type of therapy doubles a smoker’s chances of quitting than that of a smoker who uses willpower alone.

On average the lifespan of a smoker is reduced by 10 to 15 years, and it is estimated that 7,000 Irish people will die next year from the affects of tobacco, the company added.