While Malta has made significant strides in reducing tobacco consumption over the last two decades, new data reveals a widening gender gap in public health. Recent findings from the General Population Survey on Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug Use show that while men are quitting in record numbers, smoking rates among women have remained virtually unchanged since 2001.

Two Decades of Data: A Tale of Two Genders

The survey, which involved phone interviews with 3,500 residents across various regions and age groups, provides a clear picture of how smoking habits have evolved in Malta. With a margin of error of +/-1.65%, the results highlight a stark contrast in behavior between the sexes.

In 2001, 42.5% of men reported smoking within the past month. By 2023, that figure plummeted to 24.2%. This represents a massive public health victory for the male population.

In contrast, the data for women tells a different story:

  • 2001: 21.2% of women reported smoking in the past month.

  • 2023: 20.9% of women reported smoking in the past month.

Despite twenty-two years of anti-smoking campaigns and increased health awareness, the female smoking rate has remained stagnant.

Recent Tobacco Use: A Concerning Trend

When looking at “recent tobacco users”—defined as anyone who smoked at least once in the past year—the statistics for women are even more sobering.

While the rate for men dropped from 44.5% to 28.4% over the 22-year period, the rate for women actually saw a slight increase, moving from 22.5% in 2001 to 23.3% in 2023.

Why the Disparity?

The research suggests that while national policies have successfully reached the male demographic, the same strategies may not be resonating with women. This “gendered plateau” raises important questions for health authorities regarding:

  • The effectiveness of current cessation programs for women.

  • Sociodemographic factors influencing female tobacco use.

  • Targeted marketing or lifestyle stressors that may keep women smoking.

Moving Forward

Malta’s overall decline in smoking is a positive indicator for the nation’s long-term health, but the stability of female smoking rates suggests that a “one-size-fits-all” approach to tobacco control may no longer be sufficient.

As the country looks toward a tobacco-free future, health experts may need to pivot toward gender-specific outreach to ensure that the progress seen by men is finally shared by women.