Ban on Sale of Loose Cigarettes will Discourage Smokers

A majority of Indians (59%) feel banning the sales of loose cigarettes will discourage smoking according to the “Pulse of the Nation Poll”, conducted by Inshorts, a news app, in association with global research firm, Ipsos - ahead of the ‘World No Tobacco Day’ on May 31.

Given how prevalent tobacco consumption, especially active or passive smoking is, a total of 8179 unique users participated in the poll, giving a total of 68,371 responses. From the effectiveness of warning graphics on cigarette boxes, banning the sales of loose cigarettes, to different motives of smoking and more, the poll revealed some interesting trends on tobacco consumption.

Azhar Iqubal, CEO and Co-founder, InShorts, commented on the Poll, “The Pulse of the Nation poll, held on the occasion of ‘World No Tobacco Day’, to spread awareness upon tobacco consumption, reflects certain interesting facts. While 55% of Indians feel that users of tobacco products should not have the freedom to consume what they want, 68% would like the Government to take stronger steps to discourage consumption of tobacco products, including 63% of smokers.”

“Our survey shows that health experts’ advice on ills of smoking are taken more seriously vis-à-vis Warning Visuals on Cigarette Packs,” says Parijat Chakraborty, executive director, India, Ipsos Public Affairs .

Key Trends:

Ban the Sales of Loose Cigarettes

A majority of Indians feel that selling loose cigarettes makes it difficult for smokers to quit, enabling them to sneak-in a cigarette at any point of the day. 59% of Indians feel that banning the sales of loose cigarettes will definitely discourage the habit of smokers. In fact, smokers themselves validated the same, with 61% of Indians who smoke, voicing their agreement.

Effectiveness of the Warning Pictures

69% Indians debunk role of warning images on Cigarette Packs in reducing smoking.

No Freedom of Choice

As many as 55% of participants felt that users of tobacco products should not have the freedom to consume what they want. However, 33% felt it is still their right to choice, while 12% couldn’t fathom a plausible solution and hence, opted for “can’t say.”

Smokers and non-smokers appeared to strongly disagree on this notion. While 60% of non-smokers supported no-freedom-of-choice for smokers, 52% of smokers rebuked the thought.

Listened to the Healthcare Experts

Validating the role played by healthcare professionals in reducing smoking, 83% agreed adhering to their advice - “smoking is injurious to health”.

Expecting more from the Government

When it comes to discouraging chewing tobacco products, 68% Indians participating in the poll felt that a lot more can be done in the same regards. Chewing tobacco is the leading reason of mouth cancer and the participants, including 63% of smokers, felt that the Government may come up with stringent rules and awareness programs to discourage its consumption.

Why does one smoke? Stress Relief!

41% of those surveyed were of the opinion that stress relief is the major motivation for smoking. However, 28% felt that the inspiration behind smoking is “to look cool.” Other reasons included:

• Pre-existing addiction to other tobacco products – 12%
• Media influence – 6%
• Can’t say – 13%

“Interestingly, there is some convergence among smokers and non-smokers, on the key motivation for smoking – both attribute it to stress relief. Key disparity lies in 2nd most important motivation for smoking  – while smokers say addiction, non-smokers feel it is to look cool. Smokers and non-smokers espouse ineffectiveness of warning pictures on cigarette packs,” added Chakraborty.

Azhar Iqubal, CEO and Co-founder, InShorts, further added, “At InShorts, we started with Pulse of the Nation Polls to truly understand the opinions of the present generation. Now that India has spoken on the World No Tobacco Day, we are hopeful that the healthcare bodies and policy-makers will closely observe these poll results, and utilize the key trends to strengthen their crusade for a tobacco-free India.”