A CYPRUS SMOKING HABIT
A POPULAR HABIT
Smoking in Cyprus remains a popular habit with almost a third of all residents continuing to smoke or vape regularly. Currently one in every two adult males and one in every five adult females partake in the activity regularly and the majority of smokers do not seem to express any concerns about the effects of smoking on their health. Smokers who were recently interviewed have also admitted that quitting the habit was unlikely, but some did express an interest in switching to vaping within the near future.
AN OUTDATED PRACTICE
Over half of smoker’s non-smoking partners admitted that they did not like their partner’s smoking habit. Still, they tolerated it and two-thirds of the general public considered smoking an outdated practice. The majority of smokers who were interviewed also expressed concerns that help and support for those wishing to quit the habit was not readily available.
A SMOKING BAN
The Cypriot Government has taken several measures in the past, aimed at encouraging people to curb their smoking habits, but it seems that these efforts have had no impact on the number of smokers on the island. The smoking ban in public places, which came into effect back in 2010, has also achieved muted results. Despite this, Cypriot Government health officials are constantly looking at ways to help buck the popular smoking trend on the island. Currently, over 900 people in Cyprus die from tobacco smoking-related diseases each year.
THE QUIT SMOKING CLINIC IN NICOSIA
A quit smoking clinic, offering practical support for people who wish to quit the habit, is operating at the Nicosia General Hospital. The ‘quit smoking program’ constitutes a useful and effective means of support and offers information about the effects of smoking, understanding addiction, and the mechanisms that maintain the habit.
The service that operates within the framework of the pulmonology clinic runs a specialised support programme that offers group sessions for up to five people at a time. A personalised support plan, with the possibility of medication, is also available, and all sessions take place in the presence of a pulmonologist and a clinical psychologist.
The main treatment processes examine the decision-making process that all smokers face. They also aim to strengthen internal motivation for quitting the habit by setting a pre-designated date to quit.
The programme usually lasts up to ten weeks, and sessions are initially held every week. Follow-up sessions are then held for at least three months after quitting.
Appointments can be made by calling 22603517 or 22603917
