Cyprus ranks tenth in Europe in terms of hookah use among the student population, according to data presented on Monday by the Cyprus Addiction Authority during a press conference marking World No Tobacco Day.
Officials also warned that in recent years there has been a significant rise in the use of e-cigarettes among students, highlighting growing concern over youth smoking trends in Cyprus.
Smoking remains a major public health challenge
In remarks at the event held at the Creative Activity Centre in Larnaca, Dr Christos Minas, President of the Cyprus Addiction Authority (AAEK), said smoking remains the number one global public health issue, causing millions of preventable deaths every year.
He stressed that the organisation’s campaign, aligned with the World Health Organization, focuses on exposing tobacco industry practices aimed at attracting children and adolescents through flavours, packaging and social media advertising.
Dr Minas said the Authority’s National Strategy on addictions for 2021–2028 prioritises enforcement of tobacco legislation, prevention among the general population, smoke-free environments and the development of clinical guidelines for nicotine dependence treatment.
He added that protecting children and young people from tobacco products remains a core priority, requiring coordinated action and continuous awareness efforts.
Ministry of Health highlights support measures
Representing the Ministry of Health, Maria Andreou said tobacco use remains one of the biggest threats to public health despite progress in recent years.
She referred to new clinical guidelines for smoking cessation, aimed at providing healthcare professionals with effective tools to support individuals wishing to quit smoking.
Andreou also highlighted smoking cessation programmes offering scientific and practical support, stressing that citizens are not alone in their efforts to quit.
Dr Maria Karekla, Clinical Psychologist and Professor at the University of Cyprus, presented the new clinical guidelines for smoking cessation, developed in line with the national strategy and WHO frameworks. She said the most effective approach combines pharmacotherapy with cognitive behavioural therapy, based on international scientific evidence.
The guidelines also address specific population groups, including pregnant women, adolescents and individuals with respiratory conditions.
E-cigarettes and vaping on the rise
Dr Karekla noted that smoking rates remain relatively stable compared with last year, but vaping shows an upward trend, particularly among young people.
Dr Michalis Toumbis, pulmonologist, added that Cyprus is slightly above the European average in smoking rates and that student use of e-cigarettes is particularly concerning. He said Cyprus also ranks tenth in Europe for hookah use among adolescents, warning of increasing nicotine exposure through alternative smoking products.
Social pressures and addiction risks
Experts explained that many young people begin smoking or vaping due to social reasons, while others use it as a way to manage stress and emotional pressure.
However, they stressed that continued use is driven by nicotine addiction, turning initial experimentation into long-term dependency.
Authorities warned that without targeted prevention measures, youth smoking trends may continue to worsen in coming years.
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