Majority of smokers want to quit - survey

The World No Tobacco day was marked yesterday around the world. The day is celebrated every year by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to inform the public about the dangers of using tobacco and the business practices of tobacco companies. It also outlines what WHO is doing to fight the tobacco epidemic and what people can do to claim their right to health and healthy living.

According to estimates provided by the WHO every year 4 million people die due to smoking and tobacco consumption. This figure is expected to shoot up to 8.4 million every year by year 2020, of which 70 per cent will be in the developing countries.

On the occasion of the No-Tobacco Day the Gulf News held a survey from a cross section of people who are either addicted, intent to quit or are non-smokers.

Ahmad Alaeddine, a 27-year-old Lebanese art instructor, told Gulf News: "I started smoking when I was 16 and I smoke more than three packs per day. I am aware that smoking is unhealthy but I like it a lot and can't quit it. Maybe one day if I get sick because of heavy smoking, I might think of quitting. But right now I don't have the guts to do it.

"The Anti-smoking Interntio-nal Day doesn't mean anything to me. I am aware that smoking creates health problems, so I might quit when I in my thirties and might not, who knows!"

Niha Chindaea, a 32-year-old Romanian employee, said: "Since I was 17 I started smoking and I almost consume a pack a day. Smoking is definitely unhealthy but I don't know why do I smoke. It is a bad habit. I know that I love cigarettes and I am stupid for acquiring this habit. If I try to quit smoking I don't think I'll be able to do it, especially in this country. I miss my family a lot and this makes me feel home sick so I smoke because it helps me relax and forget facts of life."

Safwan Tannir, Senior Vice President at Arab American Express (Aramex) said, "I used to be a smoker but I quit it three years ago according to my doctor's orders. Smoking caused health problems to me so I stopped it. I started smoking when I was a teenager obviously out of peer pressure and it felt cool, thus I enjoyed it a lot while it lasted. But now I call on all people who suffer from hypertension to quit smoking."

Mahmoud Al Tabbesh, a businessman said, "I used to smoke two packs of Rothman a day, then I moved to Benson and Hedges, heavier than Rothman. When I changed the brand I noticed a difference and I realised that I might be able to stop smoking because it was too heavy for my chest and lungs. I tried not to smoke for a whole week and I am still a non-smoker so far. I hope not to acquire back that old bad habit. I am feeling healthier than before even though I replaced that habit with eating sweets."

Gulam Ali Sajenlal, Jashanmal Service Manager, said, "I have been smoking for the last 45 years and I smoke two packs a day. My job has a very high level of tension and I have so much responsibilities. When I have my job done and my customers are pleased I smoke a lot. I intend to quit smoking."