Recent findings from the Fiji STEPS Survey have highlighted a concerning disparity in smoking rates between genders in Fiji. The survey indicates that smoking is significantly more prevalent among men than women, particularly affecting younger males. Alarmingly, about 60 percent of men aged 18 to 29 are current smokers, representing the highest prevalence of smoking within the nation. The smoking rates for men begin to decline with age, as just over 50 percent of those between 30 and 44 years report smoking, while the figure drops to approximately 40 percent for men aged 45 to 59. For older men aged 60 to 69, the smoking prevalence stands at around 30 percent.
In contrast, the smoking rates among women are considerably lower across all age brackets. Only about 30 percent of women aged 18 to 29 engage in smoking, with a notable decrease to around 20 percent for the 30 to 44 age group. The trend continues with roughly 13 percent of women aged 45 to 59 and less than 5 percent for those aged 60 to 69 identified as smokers.
The report stresses the urgent need for targeted tobacco control initiatives, particularly aimed at the young male demographic, while still promoting efforts to decrease smoking across the general population. By adopting a proactive approach to tobacco control, stakeholders can aim to foster healthier lifestyles and significantly reduce smoking rates in Fiji, paving the way for a healthier future for the community.