Attitudes to smoking in Romanian, Bulgarian and Lithuanian residents
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This report explores smoking behaviours, attitudes, and experiences of Eastern European residents in the UK, with a focus on Bulgarian, Lithuanian, Romanian, Roma, and Moldovan communities. A total of 138 respondents participated, primarily in their first languages.
Key findings
High smoking prevalence: 88% were current smokers, with only 12% reporting that they had successfully quit.
Low service uptake: Although one-third of smokers expressed interest in quitting, only 26% would consider a stop-smoking service, with many believing success depends on willpower alone.
Social drivers: Smoking is reinforced by peers, family, and workplace culture. Stress, loneliness, and poor mental wellbeing further reduce motivation to quit.
Successful quitters: More likely to be Lithuanian, aged 18–24 or 50+, university-educated, in stable work, socially connected in the UK, and motivated by specific health concerns.
Barriers to quitting: Negative self-talk, low confidence, and access to cheap or illicit cigarettes, especially during visits to home countries.