Fewer youth are smoking, drinking in 2021 —UP study

The number of youth engaging in vices such as smoking and drinking decreased last year, according to Sandra Aguinaldo’s “24 Oras” report on Friday.

Based on the data of UP Population Institute (UPPI) in 2021, the number of people aged 15 to 24 who were smoking, drinking, and using drugs went down.

The number of youth who are smoking went down from 20% in 2013 to 12% in 2021.

Meanwhile, the number of youth drinking alcoholic beverages is at 29% in 2021 from 37% in 2013.

“Isang factor is because of the pandemic, hindi sila nakakalabas. Drinking is a social activity so tsaka meron ding mga liquor ban. Pwede ring mas may appreciation to healthy lifestyle like for example with smoking and COVID-19 kasi yung ano mo is respiratory,” Dr. Elma Laguna, assistant professor of demography at UPPI said.

Laguna said the Sin Tax Law could have also affected consumption as this increased the prices of cigarettes and alcoholic drinks.

Paul, 17, stopped smoking during the pandemic but switched to vape.

“Sa yosi kasi sisindihan pa, nangangamoy ang baho pa sa kamay. Syempre sa pamilya pinapahinto rin ako. Parang mas okay sa kanila na ang vape kesa magyosi ako,” he said.

At least 16% of youth have tried vape, while 0.1% tried using drugs, down from 2.4% in 2002, based on the UPPI data.

“Pwedeng i-explore ano yung tama nating ginawa para maengganyo silang iwasan ang mga bisyo or yung sigurong mga programa para mas mapromote pa ang healthy lifestyle,” Laguna said.

The Department of Health (DOH) welcomed the positive results of the study.

“Decreases in the use of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs are population-level targeted health interventions under Universal Health Care,” the DOH said.—Richa Noriega/LDF, GMA News