Listen
More smokers quit the habit
26/05/2009
More smokers in Scotland are attempting to quit, according to the latest statistics.
The figures, released today by ISD Scotland, show that 4.8 per cent of smokers attempted to quit using an NHS smoking cessation service during 2008 - up from 4.2 per cent in 2007.
Key findings of the statistics include:
- 14 per cent more quit attempts were made in 2008 - up from 44,019 to 50,121
- 44 per cent of quit attempts were made using pharmacy-based smoking cessation services
- 38 per cent were still smoke-free a month after quitting
Public Health Minister Shona Robison said:
"Many people find stopping smoking hard but it's also the single biggest thing anyone can do to improve their health.
"So it's really encouraging that so many people are taking advantage of NHS smoking cessation services and trying to quit.
"Not everyone succeeds at their first attempt but the cessation services are there to support them as they become a non-smoker - and you're four times more likely to succeed if you use cessation services.
"We're also committed to stopping people - particuarly young people - from starting to smoke in the first place.
"Our smoking prevention action plan included a range of measures aimed at preventing smoking among children, including removing cigarette displays in shops and banning vending machines. These proposals were included in our Tobacco and Primary Medical Services Bill which is currently making its way though the Scottish Parliament."
The smoking prevention action plan was published in May 2008.
The Tobacco and Primary Medical Services Bill was introduced to the Scottish Parliament in February.