Effects of the pandemic on smoking, and the way forward

The regular assessment of the smoking habits of the UK population during the COVID-19 pandemic was compromised because of lack of face-to-face consultations. Telephone interviews conducted in late 2020 showed a sudden and implausible drop in the proportion of adults who smoked cigarettes to 12.3%.

The report said estimates should be interpreted with caution and were probably closer to the pre-pandemic figure of 13.8% of adults, with 6.4% of respondents reported currently using an e-cigarette. This equates to nearly 3.3 million adults.¹

Assessments of individual smoking habits during the pandemic found variable changes. A significant number of ex-smokers relapsed, and others increased their consumption, largely because of fear of being infected, thoughts of dying, and anxiety after listening to the news,² this was particularly the case for people with mental illness.³ While others quit or cut down their consumption due to reduced access to retailers, limited social interactions, enhanced concerns about health or financial limitations.⁴