RSU study on tobacco use in the country highlights opportunities to improve smoking policies

The Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Institute of Public Health has conducted a study with the aim of finding out professionals’ assessments and recommendations to reduce the use of smoked and smokeless tobacco and electronic cigarettes in Latvia: “Situation of Smoked and Smokeless Tobacco Products in Latvia and Recommendations to Promote Public Health”.

The comprehensive study on the situation of smoked and smokeless tobacco products by the RSU Institute of Public Health showed that the current prevalence of smoking (cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, tobacco) in Latvia was 32% in 2020 (the EU average was 23%). The proportion of men smoking in Latvia is significantly higher than the EU average, while the proportion of women smoking is similar to the EU average. In 2020, the lifetime prevalence of heated tobacco consumption was 6% on average in the EU and 14% in Latvia, with much higher prevalence among young people. In both EU countries and Latvia, lifetime prevalence of e-cigarette use was higher among men (17% and 28% respectively) than among women (12% and 15%). Among 15–24-year olds, the prevalence of e-cigarette use in Latvia is significantly higher than the EU average.

Overall, there has been no improvement in the epidemiological situation of smoking in Latvia, either for traditional tobacco products or for electronic smoking devices. Experts highlight the rapid increase in the use of electronic smoking devices in recent years. The State Revenue Service (SRS) product consumption data confirm the tobacco and nicotine epidemic in Latvia.

Smoking in Latvia is common among people with mental health issues and healthcare workers. The use of electronic smoking devices is more common among women and young people.

Half of the surveyed users of electronic cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and nicotine gum started using these products because they do not emit smoke or an odour (52%), a third because they considered them to be a less harmful alternative (34%), and 39% because they were trying to quit or reduce smoking conventional tobacco products.

The researchers also consider it essential to develop independent (non-industry-funded) research in this area, including on the short- and long-term health effects of electronic smoking devices, and to support the emergence and capacity-building of an active non-governmental sector in the field of smoking prevention and control, for example by raising funds from excise duties. It is also recommended that the rights of non-smokers be strengthened in legislation, including the complete abolition of designated smoking areas, the regulation of nicotine gum, etc.

In addition to providing important information, this study demonstrates the research quality and capacity of the RSU Institute of Public Health, not only in public health research, but also in its ability to provide evidence-based health policies.