- Ryedale is the worst region for quitting smoking, with plans to be smoke-free by 2036 and an average growing rate of 64.6%.
- Denbighshire and Hounslow are second and third least progressive in becoming smoke-free.
- The East Midlands is the worst region for stopping smoking.
New data has revealed the UK area which is least progressive in its attempts to quit smoking, with Ryedale being the worst.
The study, conducted by Go Smoke Free, analysed eight years’ worth of ONS data for all local authorities in England, Wales and Scotland. It determined the average reduction rate for the smoking population in each area. The research also used each area’s estimated ‘smoke-free’ year to determine a total score for each location.
Ryedale was identified as the worst area, earning a score of 30.4. Estimated to be smoke-free in over 13 years, this region shows an average smoking increase rate of 64.6%. The data reveals a turbulent history in dealing with smoking populations and has experienced an overall growth of 19% in its smoking population since 2015. This starkly contrasts the UK average, which has dropped 23%.
The Worst Areas to Quit Smoking
|
Rank |
Local Authority |
Score |
|
1 |
Ryedale |
30.4 |
|
2 |
Denbighshire |
39.8 |
|
3 |
Hounslow |
40.3 |
|
4 |
Moray |
40.7 |
|
5 |
Coventry |
40.8 |
|
6 |
Central Bedfordshire |
40.9 |
|
7 |
Cheshire East |
41.2 |
|
8 |
Derby |
41.2 |
|
9 |
Merton |
41.8 |
|
10 |
West Lothian |
41.9 |
Securing the second spot is Denbighshire, posting a score of 39.8. Unfortunately, the area anticipates achieving a smoke-free status no earlier than 2050. Despite an average increase rate of 4.1%, the most alarming observation stems from the data, indicating that the current smoking prevalence in the region stands at 18.8%—the highest recorded in the past eight years.
Hounslow comes third place, registering a score of 40.3. This London borough anticipates a lengthy 27-year journey to attain a smoke-free status due to its annual increase rate of 3.3%. Notably, the county has experienced a 15.6% uptick in smokers since 2015.
Fourth place is given to Moray, which saw an extra 5.1% of smokers between 2021 and 2022. With a projected wait until 2050 for a smoke-free status and an annual increase rate of 2.8%, Moray secures a cumulative score of 40.7.
Subsequently, Coventry claims the fifth, featuring an annual increase rate of 2.5%. The earliest estimate for Coventry to achieve a smoke-free status is 2050. However, with the latest data showing a smoking population of 18.4%, Coventry is left with a score of 40.8.
Rounding out the top ten is Central Bedfordshire at 40.8, Derby at 41.2, Cheshire East at 41.2, Merton at 41.8, and West Lothian at 41.9.
Commenting on the findings, a spokesperson for Go Smoke Free said, “This research reveals a concerning reality in Ryedale, the most challenging county to quit smoking, which underscores the urgency of addressing smoking efforts within this region.”
“This stark contrast to the nationwide push for a smoke-free generation, highlighted by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s recent legislation, underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions. As we navigate these challenges, it becomes clear that learning from successes and setbacks is essential in our shared journey toward a healthier, smoke-free future for our nation.”
Credit to www.gosmokefree.co.uk, who conducted the research
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