Health main reason to quit smoking

One-third of Dutch smokers aged 18 or older made a serious effort to quit in 2016, roughly the same as in the preceding two years. Major reasons for smokers to quit or attempt to quit are concerns over the health of their children (91 percent) and their own health (87 percent).

Around 21 percent of smokers say that health warnings on cigarette packages and in media campaigns prompted or would prompt them to (try and) quit smoking.

Health care professional’s advice

Part of the smokers were urged to stop smoking by a care provider, for example a general practitioner, medical specialist, psychologist, dentist or obstetrician. One-third of those smokers who had consulted a health care provider at least once over the 12 months prior to the survey were given the advice to quit. Lower-educated, older and/or daily smokers were more likely to be given smoking cessation advice than other smokers. For approximately three-quarters of smokers, this advice would be a reason to (try and) quit.

Of the group who were urged to quit by a care provider, 37 percent were advised to use medical means such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or electronic cigarettes, seek professional guidance or use online help tools or (mobile) apps.

Quitting pays off, at any age

A recent study by CBS and the Trimbos Institute shows that smoking cessation has a positive effect, at any age. Among smokers who quit around the age of 50, the mortality risk is reduced by half. The survey shows that one in four heavy smokers die before their 65th birthday. The life expectancy of heavy smokers (more than twenty cigarettes per day) is on average 13 years shorter than that of people who have never smoked.

Smaller share of smokers

Nearly one-quarter (24 percent) of Dutch adults indicated to have smoked (occasionally) in 2016; a slight decrease compared to 2015, when this share was 26 percent. Around one-third of adults are ex-smokers and the majority (44 percent) of Dutch people aged 18 years or older say they have never smoked at all.

E-cigarette used by small group of smokers

Slightly over three-quarters (77 percent) of adult smokers smoke on a daily basis. They mainly smoke cigarettes from a packet (74 percent). Forty percent (also) smoke rolling tobacco and 18 percent use self-made cigarettes. Men are more likely to smoke rolling tobacco, while cigarettes from a packet or self-made cigarettes are more popular among women. A small portion of adults (3 percent) occasionally smoked an e-cigarette in 2016.