Smoking and Drinking Rates Among Women Are Rising

According to a report by our correspondent Zhu Qin on September 22, the latest statistics from the Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention show that 24.28% of adults in the province smoke regularly, and 21.55% of adult residents drink alcohol regularly. Notably, the rates of smoking and drinking among women in our province are both on the rise. Provincial health experts indicate that excessive smoking and drinking, along with a lack of exercise, lead to "three highs" (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol), ultimately resulting in serious cardiovascular diseases. Data shows that cardiovascular disease has become the leading cause of death among residents in our province, with at least half of the 3 million annual deaths from cardiovascular disease in China related to hypertension.

The latest data provided by the Provincial Office for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Control indicates that the drinking rate among adult residents in our province is 21.55%, with men outpacing women. Since 2002, the drinking rate among urban women has risen from 4.2% to 8.4%, while the rate among rural women has increased from 1.8% to 7%, showing significant growth. Among urban women aged 18 to 24, the increase in drinking rates is the most pronounced, and the smoking rate in this age group has also risen from 1.4% to 14.3%.

Data shows that the current smoking rate among adult residents in our province is 24.28%, with men (45.38%) far exceeding women (4.11%). The passive smoking population stands at 47.36%, with men (53.98%) also higher than women (40.99%). The smoking rates among women under 45 in our province are also on the rise. Since 2002, the smoking rate among urban women aged 25 to 34 has increased from 2.45% to 4.8%, while in rural areas it has risen from 1.5% to 5.1%; for women aged 35 to 44, the urban smoking rate has increased from 2.4% to 2.8%, and in rural areas from 2.8% to 7.9%; for women aged 45 to 54, the urban smoking rate has risen from 4.3% to 5.4%, and in rural areas from 4.5% to 8.4%.