What are the main factors linked to onset of a smoking habit?

There is no single cause for the onset of a smoking habit. Rather, it is a combination of factors that, when present together, increase the likelihood that someone will start and continue smoking. Some of these factors are:

Personal factors:

- Age: Teenagers are more likely to start smoking than any other age group.

- Gender: Males are more likely to smoke than females.

- Peer influence: People who have friends or family members who smoke are more likely to start smoking themselves.

- Mental health: People with mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are more likely to smoke.

Environmental factors:

- Social norms: Smoking is more prevalent in some cultures and social groups than others.

- Availability of tobacco products: People who live in areas where tobacco products are cheap and easy to obtain are more likely to smoke.

- Media portrayal: The way that smoking is portrayed in the media, particularly in movies and television shows, can influence people's attitudes towards smoking and make it seem more glamorous or appealing.

- Marketing and advertising: Tobacco companies spend billions of dollars each year to promote their products, particularly to young people.

It is important to note that these factors do not cause smoking, but they can increase the risk of a person starting and continuing to smoke.