The COVID-19 Pandemic's Impact on Smoking Trends: A Study in England

A study conducted in England between June 2017 and August 2022 examined the sustained impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on smoking patterns. The study found that the rate of decline in smoking prevalence slowed significantly during the pandemic, particularly among more advantaged social grades. There was a potential increase in smoking prevalence among young adults, indicating a rise in uptake, while there was a decrease among middle-aged adults, suggesting late relapse. However, there were sustained increases in quitting among past-year smokers, with a significant increase in cessation and quit attempts. The study highlights the need for targeted policies and support services to address the impact of the pandemic on smoking behavior.