Top Smoking Regions Unveiled in Russia by Health Ministry

Top Smoking Regions Unveiled in Russia by Health Ministry

Puff, Puff, Passed: A Closer Look at Tobacco Consumption

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The nationwide vital statistic, "Smoking Prevalence Among those Age 15 and Above," is under close medical scrutiny annually.

STILL LIGHTING UP

In the past year, this figure has slightly ticked up (0.1%) - from 18.48% in March 2024 to 18.50% in March 2025. However, the previous trend saw a steady decline: 7.3% in 2020, 5.4% in 2022, and 0.5% in 2024.

Reality Check with Victor Zykov - Russia's Deputy Head of Tobacco Control

Tobacco consumption, a known risk factor, is responsible for a sizable share of deaths due to cardiovascular diseases and most cases of oral, laryngeal, tracheal, bronchial, and lung cancers, as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Such grim realities were disclosed by none other than Victor Zykov, the Deputy Head of the Department of Risk Factor Prevention at the Central Research Institute of Healthcare under the Ministry of Health of Russia. Despite the strides made in reducing tobacco consumption over the past decade, the Russian population still boasts a high number of smokers.

In 2024, those aged 15 and above smoking were tallied at 18.6% - around one in five citizens! Public health officials are particularly concerned about the increasing fascination with electronic cigarettes, vapes, and other so-called "safer" alternatives among young people.

CHECHNYA'S LEAD IN KICKING THE HABIT

The Ministry of Health has also curated a ranking of regions based on smoking prevalence. As of March 2025, the regions with the least smoking prevalence are:

1. Chechen Republic (0.2%)
2. Ingush Republic (6.17%)
3. Kabardino-Balkarian Republic (10.31%)
4. Karačay-Cherkess Republic (11.18%)
5. Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug (11.58%)

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the regions with the highest smoking rates are:

1. Jewish Autonomous Oblast (34.38%)
2. Amur Oblast (28.78%)
3. Republic of Buryatia (27.70%)
4. Republic of Tuva (27.13%)
5. Altai Republic (26.91%)

Smallest Retail Sales of Cigarettes and Cigarette Papers per Capita

In January and February 2025, the smallest retail sales were recorded in:

1. Chechnya
2. Ingushetia
3. Dagestan
4. Kabardino-Balkaria
5. North Ossetia-Alania (ranging from 0 to 0.06 thousand units)

Conversely, the largest sales were observed in:

1. Magadan Oblast
2. Kamchatka Krai
3. Sakhalin Oblast
4. Murmansk Oblast
5. Jewish Autonomous Oblast (ranging from 0.34 thousand to 0.28 thousand units)

Quit Early, Quit Often

Remember, quitting smoking before the age of 30 greatly reduces long-term health risks. But it's never too late to make a change for the better - check out our next article for reasons smoking is terrible and its positive impact when you finally kick the habit!

Health Risks - Numbers Don't Lie

Tobacco smoking is a leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide, resulting in over 7 million deaths annually. Here are some key health risks associated with tobacco smoking:

1. Cardiovascular Diseases: Smoking increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease by damaging the cardiovascular system. It is responsible for a significant portion of cardiovascular-related deaths worldwide.
2. Cancer: Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of cancer deaths globally, with a strong association with lung cancer, but also a heightened risk of mouth, throat, esophageal, stomach, and cervical cancers.
3. Respiratory Diseases: Smoking also increases the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory conditions.
4. Reproductive Health Issues: Tobacco use can lead to fertility issues and complications during pregnancy.

Regional Differences

Though global trends show a decline in smoking prevalence, regional variations exist. For instance, the Eastern Mediterranean Region has high adolescent smoking rates, while countries like Nauru, Myanmar, and Kiribati exhibit high prevalence among adults.

Sources:

1. American Cancer Society. (2022, December 06). Global Cancer Facts & Figures 4th Edition. Retrieved May 30, 2023, from https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/CRC/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/global-cancer-facts-and-figures/global-cancer-facts--and-figures-4th-edition.pdf
2. World Health Organization. (2018, November 13). Adolescents and tobacco use. Retrieved May 30, 2023, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescents-and-tobacco-use
3. World Health Organization. (2023, January 09). Global tobacco surveillance system. Retrieved May 30, 2023, from https://www.who.int/global-coalition-against-tobacco/what-we-do/global-tobacco-surveillance/en/
4. Sankar SK, Bloch DA. Tobacco-related death and disability. In: Ludwig DS, Henley SJ, Rogers W, editors. Epidemiology and prevention of tobacco use. 3rd ed. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2017. Available from: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-50754-1_11
5. World Health Organization. (2019). WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2019. Retrieved May 30, 2023, from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/who-report-on-the-global-tobacco-epidemic-2019

• The link between tobacco consumption and numerous health problems is a significant concern, as it contributes to cardiovascular diseases, various types of cancer, respiratory diseases, and mental health complications.
• In the realm of mental health, tobacco use is a risk factor that cannot be neglected, and quitting should be considered a crucial aspect of health and wellness.
• The regional ranking in Russia shows a substantial disparity in smoking prevalence, with Chechnya recording the lowest rates, while regions such as the Jewish Autonomous Oblast, Amur Oblast, Republic of Buryatia, Republic of Tuva, and Altai Republic reporting some of the highest rates, highlighting the need for targeted intervention to address these chronic diseases and medical conditions.

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