According to a study, the number of young Filipino youths who smoke and drink alcohol has decreased.
In the report of Bam Alegre in “Unang Balita”, it was said in the study conducted by the UP Population Institute in 2021 that youth smoking decreased to 12% in 2021, compared to 20% in 1994 -2013.
In addition to the study, 41% of smokers have already limited their habits compared to before the pandemic hit the country.
According to the data, three out of every four smokers want to quit compared to before the pandemic hit the country.
As for drinking alcohol, from almost 40% that occurred from 1994-2013, it was only 29% by 2021.
Meanwhile, 45% of those who drink have also reduced their intake during this pandemic due to liquor bans during the lockdown.
One cited reason is the left and right increase in prices of goods and other services.
Kevin Tolentino, a BPO employee, noticed among his fellow young professionals that they have almost no budget for vice.
Filipino youths who smoke, and drink alcohol decrease
“Absolutely kasi ‘yung ano natin, eh kailangan mong magtipid. Talaga nale-less ‘yung mga likes, hobbies mo o bisyo or something. Talagang kinakailangan mong i-minimize kasi mas need natin ‘yung essentials eh. Kasi ‘yun ang napansin ko talaga. Kahit ako sa sarili ko, talaga ni-less ko yung pag-smoke then pinalit ko is vape,” said Tolentino.
The team leader, John Paulo Gonzales, is aware that the impact of the pandemic has been so significant that his peers’ budget has run out of food and drinks.
“Usually, kasi dati talagang mataas ang trend noon so simula nang mag-pandemic, parang marami na rin kasi ‘yung mga nagbabawas na talaga… kasi kung papansinin mo medyo, humirap din kasi talaga ang buhay,” said Gonzales.
As for Ezequiel Chinlee, also a BPO employee, being health conscious is a big reason for reducing Filipinos’ vices.
“Meron sir kasi health is wealth. At saka lalo na pang-gabi kami [sa trabaho] so binabawasan namin yung bisyo para iwas sakit din,” he said.
In the data of the Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study in 2021, out of every ten young adults, there are three drinkers, one smoker and almost none use illegal drugs.
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