The impact of the health and social crisis linked to COVID-19 may explain why the decline in smoking prevalence in France has stalled and why an increase has been observed in certain groups. Santé publique France, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the National Health Insurance, will relaunch in February 2023 the campaign encouraging smokers to quit, targeting smokers and particularly those who are most vulnerable socio-economically. This campaign aims to address fears associated with quitting smoking and encourage smokers to seek help in their efforts to quit.

A rise in the prevalence of daily smoking among women and those with lower levels of education

According to data from the 2021 Santé publique France Barometer¹, in metropolitan France, more than 3 out of 10 people aged 18 to 75 reported smoking (31.9%). This prevalence is stable compared to 2020 but has increased compared to 2019 (30.4%). One-quarter of those aged 18–75 reported smoking daily, a proportion that has remained stable compared to 2019. The number of smokers in France is estimated at 15 million, including 12 million daily smokers2.

Among women aged 18–75, daily smoking increased between 2019 and 2021, rising from 20.7% to 23.0%.

Furthermore, social inequalities remain very pronounced. Between 2019 and 2021, the prevalence of daily smoking increased among those with the lowest levels of education (less than a high school diploma), rising from 29.0% to 32.0%. A 15-point gap is observed between those with no diploma or a diploma below the Baccalaureate level and those with a higher education diploma.

The increase in smoking among women and among those with lower levels of education could be partly linked to a greater impact of the COVID-19 crisis on these populations, with cigarette use serving as a stress management tool, particularly due to increased mental workload and deteriorating working conditions among women.

An encouraging decline in daily smoking is also observed among men aged 18–24.

Regional inequalities remain pronounced

In 2021, daily smoking among 18- to 75-year-olds ranged from 22% to 29% depending on the region in metropolitan France. Two regions had a lower prevalence than the rest of metropolitan France: Île-de-France and Pays de la Loire (22%); while two regions stood out with a higher prevalence: Occitanie (28%) and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (29%).
In each of the DROMs surveyed, the prevalence is lower than that observed in metropolitan France. These prevalence rates have decreased significantly compared to 2014 in Réunion, Martinique, and French Guiana, and have remained stable in Guadeloupe.

Re-launch of the campaign to address fears associated with quitting smoking

In February 2023, Santé publique France will relaunch its campaign highlighting the tipping point toward quitting smoking to demystify the act of quitting and encourage smokers to make an attempt to quit. It is based on video testimonials from former smokers or smokers in the process of quitting.

This campaign leverages key strategies to reach its target audience: situations rooted in everyday life, filmed testimonials, community-focused outreach, and a multi-channel approach (digital videos, social media, local billboards, and a special TV/radio campaign). With a realistic and authentic tone, it highlights the variety of quitting solutions and encourages people to seek help from a doctor, a pharmacist, or a professional at the Tabac Info Service at 39 89 for support throughout the process.