Incidence of Smoking-Related Ailments Increasing in MV - Increase in tobacco-related sicknesses reported in MV
Rising Tobacco Dependence in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: A Public Health Concern
The consumption of tobacco in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has seen a significant surge over the past decade, with the number of tobacco addicts rising by 77 percent from 2013 to 2023, as per data compiled by the Commercial Health Insurance Company KKH for World No Tobacco Day (May 31).
Approximately 100,000 individuals in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern sought medical attention for tobacco addiction, withdrawal symptoms, acute tobacco poisoning, or psychological issues related to tobacco in 2023.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a leading cause of death worldwide, affects roughly one in six tobacco-dependent individuals in this region. In 2013, the rate of COPD-affected individuals was 13.2 percent. COPD leads to irreversible lung damage and poses a higher risk of heart attacks and lung cancer.
Michael Falkenstein, an addiction expert at KKH, remarks that their data only represents the tip of the iceberg, as they can only account for cases where tobacco dependence has been medically diagnosed. The actual number of COPD-affected tobacco consumers may be significantly higher.
The AOK Nordost data also indicates a noticeable increase in psychological disorders and behavioral disorders due to tobacco since 2013. In 2023, 9.4 percent of AOK Nordost's insured individuals aged 15 and above received this diagnosis. However, it should be noted that this does not signify an increase in the number of tobacco addicts in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern—rather, it suggests that healthcare professionals are now more likely to diagnose tobacco-related issues.
The increased awareness of the health risks associated with smoking is a probable explanation. While the smoking rate in Germany has remained stable or decreased according to large-scale surveys, the smoking rate in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is disproportionately high compared to the national average.
It is concerning that tobacco consumption has increased for the first time in many years, as stated by the German Central Office for Addiction Issues. The rising popularity of e-cigarettes among youth demands vigilant political action.
Stephan Haring from the Association of Substitute Health Insurance Funds in Mecklenburg-Vorbommern emphasizes the need for continued public education about the dangers of smoking, as the recent KKH figures underscore the persistence of tobacco's destructive impact on health.
On this World No Tobacco Day, the State Coordination Office for Addiction Issues in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern supports the World Health Organization's international campaign to highlight the manipulative tactics of the tobacco and nicotine industry, particularly with regards to the targeting of young people.
Strategies such as public awareness campaigns, nicotine replacement therapy, counseling services, tobacco control laws, school and community programs, and digital tools can play crucial roles in addressing tobacco addiction. Collaboration between local health authorities, community organizations, and schools is essential for a comprehensive approach to reducing tobacco addiction in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
- In response to the escalating tobacco problem, the Community policy in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern could consider strengthening public awareness campaigns about the health risks associated with smoking, including the targeting of young people.
- To address the increasing rates of chronic diseases, such as COPD, resulting from tobacco use, it's imperative that the Employment policy in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern includes measures to support employee health-and-wellness, including fitness-and-exercise programs, mental-health resources, and nutrition education.
- Given the significant number of individuals seeking medical attention for tobacco-related issues, it's crucial that the Employment policy in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern provides adequate coverage for medical-conditions related to tobacco use, such as respiratory-conditions and psychological issues.
- In light of the growing concern over the rising tobacco dependence, the Employment policy and Community policy in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern should cooperate to establish programs that promote fitness-and-exercise, mental-health resources, and nutrition education in schools and communities, to help reduce the prevalence of tobacco use among youth.
