By Kwon Mee-yoo
Staff Reporter
The male smoking rate edged up in the first half of the year despite the government’s policies to regulate smoking.
According to a survey by the Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs, the male smoking rate rose to 41.1 percent from 40.9 percent six months ago.
``Increased stress due to the economic slump is partially attributable for the rise in the male smoking rate. But a lack of effectiveness of polices for non-smoking seems to be the main reason,’’ a ministry official said.
The female smoking rate fell to 3.6 percent from the 4.1 percent recorded in the second half of last year. The overall rate including men and women fell to 22.1 percent from 22.3 percent. The survey was conducted on 3,000 adult male and females in June.
The most frequent reason given for smoking was ``habit,'' given by 59 percent of respondents, followed by ``stress,'' with 33 percent.
In regards to the selection of their cigarettes, the taste and smell was the most frequent reason given, followed by content of toxic ingredients, and brand.
Seven out of ten smokers have tried to quit smoking, with the biggest reason for attempting to do so being health problems.
As smoking among men has increased, the health ministry promised to promote stronger non-smoking policies.
``We will put a ban on tobacco marketing and encourage local governments to designate public space as non-smoking areas,'' the official said.
It will also step up anti-smoking campaigns and publicize the government's programs help quit smoking.
Private anti-smoking organizations, such as the Korean Association of Smoking and Health, have asked the ministry to produce more active anti-smoking regulations.
meeyoo@koreatimes.co.kr
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