Deputy Health Minister Reports Increase in Cigarette and Hookah Consumption Among Students

An official from the Ministry of Health and Medical Education of the Islamic Republic has reported an increase in the number of 'smoking' and 'hookah' students in the country, stating that 14 percent of the Iranian population is engaged in regular tobacco use. Hossein Farshidi also pointed out the growing trend of tobacco consumption among women compared to men. Farshidi provided another thought-provoking piece of news, emphasizing that the age of initiation into tobacco use has decreased, with more students in the country now involved in smoking or hookah use than in the past. The rise in tobacco consumption in Iran has become alarming, as on November 3 of this year, the head of the National Tobacco Control Secretariat of the Ministry of Health reported a 190 percent increase in cigarette consumption among women, stating, 'Comparing tobacco use in the age group of 18 to 24 years in 2021 to a previous study in 2016 shows that daily cigarette consumption among women in this age group has increased by 190 percent.' Mohammad Reza Masjedi, the secretary-general of the Society for the Fight Against Tobacco Use, also stated on November 3 that 'cigarette use among women has seen a growth rate of over 70 percent. Even for girls aged 12 to 15, there has been a 133 percent increase, and these figures are shocking.' In another comment, the social deputy of the Cultural and Social Council of the Supreme Cultural Revolution Council announced on November 8 that 'the per capita cigarette consumption is 6,000 cigarettes per year' and mentioned that some statistics indicate 'annual cigarette consumption in Iran is 80 billion cigarettes.' Omid Abdollahi also reported a threefold increase in the number of tobacco production units, stating that it has risen from 7 units to over 21 units. Approximately 52 percent of 'weed' consumers are aged 15 to 29. The head of Shahid Beheshti Cancer Research Center noted that Iran is among the top ten countries in cancer growth. There are warnings about electronic cigarettes; addiction and lung damage are lurking. A new report indicates a decrease in global tobacco use statistics; however, adolescent consumption has increased.