Manufactured cigarettes continue to dominate as the preferred tobacco product among daily smokers in Fiji, as highlighted by the Fiji STEPS Survey 2025. The survey indicates that a significant 80.6 percent of daily smokers rely on manufactured cigarettes, reflecting their substantial availability and persistent attractiveness, even in the face of ongoing public health warnings about tobacco’s dangers.
The survey reveals a notable gender difference in smoking habits. Women who smoke daily are more inclined to use manufactured cigarettes, with 87.7 percent of female smokers choosing this option compared to 78.6 percent of male smokers. This trend underscores the importance of targeted public health strategies to address the specific needs of different demographic groups.
Overall, the findings of the Fiji STEPS Survey 2025 indicate that tobacco use is prevalent, with over one-third of adults in the region currently smoking. The study, which gathered data from May 2024 to June 2025 from individuals aged 18 to 69, shows that 36.3 percent of adults smoke various tobacco products, with a significantly higher prevalence in men (50.8 percent) compared to women (20.6 percent).
Daily smoking is also a pressing issue, with 19.5 percent of adults reporting daily tobacco use. This habit is particularly common among men, with 29.2 percent engaging in daily smoking, while only 8.9 percent of women smoke daily. Among daily smokers, consumption patterns reveal that the average smoker consumes 4.6 manufactured cigarettes per day, with men averaging 4.7 and women 4.2.
The survey further explores the use of alternative tobacco products, indicating that 9.5 percent of adults use smokeless tobacco products such as snuff and chewing tobacco. This form of usage is notably higher among men (15.3 percent) than women (3.3 percent). Additionally, the survey highlights an emerging trend in nicotine consumption, with 4.5 percent of adults currently using electronic cigarettes. Male usage stands at 6.5 percent, nearly three times that of female users at 2.2 percent.
These findings indicate an ongoing challenge for public health initiatives in Fiji as they aim to reduce tobacco usage and its associated health risks. They also present an opportunity for community education and support programs tailored to specific demographics to foster a healthier society.
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