According to 2015 Public Health statistics the disadvantaged are more likely to smoke. Plymouth, being a deprived area, has a significantly higher rate of smoking than the national average.
The 2015 Public Health statistics show that some 24.5% of Plymouth adults smoke whilst the national average is 18.4%. This figure does not include those under 18 who smoke but according to government statistics some two thirds of smokers start before the age of 18. This relates to an estimated 452 smoking related deaths in Plymouth per year according to Devon LPC. One of the reasons suspected as to why the rate of smoking is so high in deprived areas is that children follow what they see around them and if they see smoking, they grow up more likely to smoke.
This relates to an estimated 452 smoking related deaths in Plymouth per year according to Devon LPC. One of the reasons suspected as to why the rate of smoking is so high in deprived areas is that children follow what they see around them and if they see smoking, they grow up more likely to smoke.
Plymouth is a city situated on the coast in the south-west of England. It has a population of around 260,000 people. According to 2011 census data 90% of people living in Plymouth were born in England and 96.4% were white. The traditional area of employment for the city has been the maritime industry and the armed forces. According to Public Health England's 2015 report deprivation in Plymouth is higher than the national average and almost 21% of children live in poverty.
One of the common factors found in deprived areas is an increased rate of smoking. This is almost counter intuitive, one would expect that having a reduced income would prevent people from spending around £8 for one packet of 20 cigarettes. The Plymouth public, when interviewed, did not express surprise about the smoking statistics. All of them were well aware of the health risks associated with smoking, such as increased risk of cancer and heart disease, but this knowledge did not prevent or deter people from smoking.
Chardonnay James, a 13 year old secondary student, commented that they had learned about the dangers of smoking in the previous school year. When questioned about why some members of her school year started to smoke she stated, “Because they think it looks cool.” She further explained that the reason she would not consider starting smoking was because “It would ruin my career.” Miss James plans to be a professional footballer.
Bayleigh Webb, another 13 year old secondary school student shared similar comments and added that often it was the children's parents that bought the cigarettes for them. This was regardless of whether the children came from an affluent background or not. He raised another point which is related to smoking, in that some parents are buying their children 'vape' devices and paraphernalia. Vaping is an alternative to smoking, usually used by people trying to quit smoking. Oils containing nicotine are used in a special device.
Ash (Action on Smoking) have published national statistics noting that electronic cigarette smoking has increased from 700,000 in 2012 to 2.8 million in 2016. 12% of under 18's surveyed in 2016 admitted to having tried electronic cigarettes. Plymouth has followed this trend and there are various shops and stalls selling electronic smoking equipment.
Carly Young, a cafe assistant, is a parent of two. She explained that she smoked and she was aware of the health risks but had no intention of considering trying to quit although she had previously tried electronic cigarettes and did not like them. When asked whether she would buy her children cigarettes if they asked she replied “No way, I don't want them to get addicted like me.”
This is a small snapshot of a city of almost 300,000 people, it seems that public health professionals need to address the bottom of the food chain; stopping youngsters from starting smoking and educating parents on the supply of cigarettes. Once a person is addicted it is much harder to stop and in an environment where there are large numbers of people smoking there is less social pressure to stop. The implications for the health of the next generation are huge, as are the financial costs of caring for people with conditions associated with smoking.
There is a smoking cessation service in Plymouth run by the local health authority Livewell Southwest. This service is provided free of charge and will give vouchers for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT); however, for prescription fee payers they will need to pay the usual fees. Studies have shown that stopping smoking is more successful, some 50-70%, if NRT is used according to Devon LPC. Livewell Southwest can be contacted online or by telephone on 01752 437177.
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