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Tobacco Use and Smoking in Israel: Youth and Young Adults

  • Tobacco (S Sussman and R Garcia, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Addiction Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of the Review

Tobacco smoking is a major cause of death and disease. In Israel, it has been reported that 22.7% of the population aged 18 and over smoke, mostly using cigarettes. Another smoking method is through a water pipe called hookah or nargila. This paper reviews recent studies of tobacco use among Israeli youth and young adults as well as research conducted by the Ben Gurion University, Regional Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Center.

Recent Findings

Study findings evidence high rates of smoking linked to being male, secular, non-Israeli origin, and school dropout. Hookah use may be a “gateway” to cigarette smoking. Youth and young adults reported they believe smoking prevention programs are not effective and do not have a noticeable effect on smoking-related attitudes and behavior. Motivation, peer-supported activities in school and the community, and family factors have been found to be important for possible smoking cessation.

Summary

This article suggests multiple factors be considered, organized, and sustained to promote smoking cessation.

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Acknowledgements

Recognition and appreciation are given to Dr. Steve Sussman, University of Southern California—Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research, for his smoking cessation efforts (e.g., Project EX) among youth. Furthermore, appreciation is expressed to Moshe Kron, Tzvika Kalush, and Adi Dagan for their contributions in promoting understanding of health-related needs among youth and young adults.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Regional Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Center, Ben Gurion University, Building #17, 84105, Beer Sheva, Israel

    Richard Isralowitz, Alexander Reznik & Itay Pruginin

  2. University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Maria Bolshakova

Authors
  1. Richard Isralowitz
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  2. Alexander Reznik
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  3. Itay Pruginin
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  4. Maria Bolshakova
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Correspondence to Richard Isralowitz.

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Conflict of Interest

Richard Isralowitz, Alexander Reznik, Itay Pruginin, and Maria Bolshakova declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Tobacco

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Isralowitz, R., Reznik, A., Pruginin, I. et al. Tobacco Use and Smoking in Israel: Youth and Young Adults. Curr Addict Rep 5, 22–28 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40429-018-0183-1

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