Recent findings from the Fiji STEPS Survey 2025 have prompted renewed concerns regarding tobacco use in the country, revealing significant disparities based on gender, age, and region. The Eastern Division, in particular, has emerged as a focal point, reporting the highest smoking rates nationwide.
The survey highlighted that while the Western Division leads with 57.6 percent of its population having never smoked, the Eastern Division trails sharply, with only 24.1 percent reporting the same. Within this division, a concerning 26.3 percent of residents identified as non-daily smokers, alongside an alarming 33.9 percent categorized as daily smokers. Additionally, 15.7 percent of residents in the Eastern Division are former smokers, indicating a pervasive issue with tobacco use.
The report emphasizes the necessity for early intervention strategies aimed at promoting tobacco abstinence. It suggests that smoking tendencies typically peak among younger adults before diminishing with age, highlighting the critical need for targeted health promotion programs directed toward younger demographics.
Notably, the survey revealed that approximately 56 percent of smokers had made attempts to quit, with consistent quit-attempt rates observed across various age groups. This underscores an opportunity for healthcare providers to step up their efforts in encouraging and assisting smokers in their quit journeys.
These findings not only illuminate the current state of tobacco use in Fiji but also point toward the potential for change through effective health initiatives and community support, fostering a healthier future for all Fijians.