In the Västmanland region's regular health survey, Life and Health, the population in the region is asked to answer questions about, among other things, snus and smoking. In this year's survey, the results for women and snus stand out.
Between 2000 and 2017, the proportion of daily snus users among women increased from 2 to 4 percent, and between 2017 and 2022, the proportion increased further, from 4 to 7 percent. Part of the increase can be explained by the use of white snus, which is now included in the questionnaire for the first time. It is mainly young women who use it. In the youngest age group of 18–29 years, 4 percent use brown snus daily, while 8 percent use white snus daily. Among women in the older age categories, the proportion who use snus is lower, and brown snus dominates.
There has also been a slight increase in snus use among men. The proportion of men who used snus daily was 20 percent in 2000, now it is 22 percent. Among men, brown snus dominates in all age categories. Among men aged 18–29, 19 percent use brown snus and 6 percent use white snus. Men in the 30–49 age group are the ones who use snus the most, of whom 24 percent use brown snus and three percent use white snus.
Smoking continues to decline. In total, 6 percent of the population aged 18 or older report that they smoke daily. The highest proportion of daily smokers is found in the age group 50–69, 7 percent among men and 9 percent among women.
Across all age groups, smoking is equally common among men and women.
The total use of nicotine products, smoking or snus daily, is twice as common among men compared to women, 24 and 12 percent respectively.
Daily smoking is more common among people with low incomes, while snuff use is more common among people with middle or high incomes.
Many people who smoke and use snus want to quit. Of daily snus users, 31 percent want to quit, and among daily smokers, the figure is 61 percent.
