SMOKING AS A PUBLIC HEALTH HAZARD AND A PERSONAL “PLEASURE” FOR SMOKERS

Miceski, Trajko SMOKING AS A PUBLIC HEALTH HAZARD AND A PERSONAL “PLEASURE” FOR SMOKERS. Journal of Lifestyle and SDG’s Review. ISSN (e-ISSN: 2965-730x)

Text Journal of Lifestyle and SDGs Review,Miceski,Pashovska,Kochoska,Zdraveska.docx Download (124kB)

Abstract

Most smokers perceive the consumption of tobacco smoke (smoking) as a type of sustenance that suppresses hunger, provides a pleasant feeling and offers a number of other benefits, without considering the numerous harmful effects on human health, even though warnings are clearly printed on every cigarette pack.
According to statements from the World Health Organization (WHO), as of 16 November 2023, the campaign “Stop the Lies” was officially launched as a vital initiative to protect young people from the tobacco industry and its deadly products, by calling for an end to the interference of the tobacco industry in health policy. The WHO emphasizes that “half of all tobacco users die prematurely, and the maintenance of the tobacco and nicotine market relies heavily on recruiting new, young users,”while tobacco companies use multiple tactics to gain the trust and interest of young people at an early age.
Additionally, anti-smoking campaigns widely highlight that flavored cigarettes containing menthol, sugars, cocoa, fruit extracts, and similar additives, as well as e-cigarettes and various other ways of consuming tobacco smoke, have further contributed to the popularity of these products among the younger generation, misleading many consumers who are mostly unaware of their negative health effects.
However, as a natural additive in the repertoire of tobacco blenders, oriental tobacco-produced also in our country, stands out with its purity and its uniquely distinctive, spicy flavor.
Throughout history, in addition to being used for smoking, tobacco was used in spiritual ceremonies and in ethnobotany for treating physical conditions. As an analgesic, it was used for earaches and toothaches, sometimes applied as a poultice, and it also appeared as an ingredient in smoking mixtures for treating colds and other illnesses. Moreover, it served as a form of currency between Native Americans and colonists from the 1620s onward for a certain period.
However, regardless of the WHO’s efforts against smoking and its warnings about the harmful effects of cigarettes on health, most consumers of tobacco smoke continue to smoke, claiming that cigarettes positively affect their mood, calm them, relax them, reduce hunger, help maintain body weight, lessen headaches and provide many other perceived benefits. On the other hand, many non-smokers oppose smoking and are bothered by tobacco smoke.
This is confirmed by empirical research and chi-square (χ²) test calculations conducted among smokers and non-smokers, which show that their attitudes are not identical. Likewise, calculations and analyses conducted among groups of male and female smokers reveal identical responses to the questions asked.
For better clarity in the paper, the obtained and processed results, derived through statistical-econometric methods, are presented both in tables and in graphical form. The values obtained from the Chi-square (χ²) test are analyzed accordingly.

Keywords: smoking, cigarettes, negative consequences, smokers, smoking dependence, WHO, measures.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	Scientific Fields (Frascati) > Agricultural Sciences > Other agricultural sciences
Divisions:	Scientific Tobacco Institute
Depositing User:	Prof. d-r. Silvana Pasoska
Date Deposited:	05 Jun 2026 07:57
Last Modified:	05 Jun 2026 07:57
URI:	https://eprints.uklo.edu.mk/id/eprint/11611

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