Tobacco use rates among women aged 15 and over in Turkey increased over 17 years
According to data from the Ministry of Health and TUIK, while tobacco use among men decreased between 2008 and 2025, it increased by 35 percent among women.
Research prepared based on data from the Ministry of Health and the Turkish Statistical Institute revealed that tobacco product usage habits in Turkey vary by gender. Accordingly, while rates dropped among men between 2008 and 2025, a significant rise was recorded among women.
Tobacco Use by Gender
According to information compiled from the data of the Turkish Statistical Institute and the Ministry of Health, the rate of tobacco product use in the population aged 15 and over was calculated as 46 percent for men and 20.6 percent for women.
17-Year Change Rates
The total tobacco use rate across the country, which was 31.2 percent in 2008, rose to 33.2 percent in 2025. While rates declined among men, a 35 percent increase was observed among women over the 17-year period.
Effects of Tobacco on Health
While it is known globally that tobacco use is responsible for 25 percent of chronic diseases and 90 percent of lung cancers, approximately 125,000 people lose their lives due to tobacco in Turkey every year.
Activities of Tobacco Control Teams
The Tobacco Control Teams and Mobile Smoking Cessation Clinics implemented by the Ministry of Health have reached more than 1 million citizens since September 1, 2025.
Smoke-Free Airspace Inspections
Within the scope of the Smoke-Free Airspace application carried out to protect public health, cross-provincial inspections were initiated to ensure standardization in audits.
Projects to Protect Youth
In order to protect children and youth from tobacco products, relevant ministries and institutions continue protective and preventive educational activities in cooperation.
Smoke-Free Campus Application
A comprehensive guide was prepared for the implementation of the national-level Smoke-Free Campus application at universities in cooperation with the Council of Higher Education and the Turkish Green Crescent Society.