Rising Hospital Admissions in Schleswig-Holstein due to Tobacco Use
Rising hospital admissions linked to tobacco consumption in the Northern region - Increased hospital admissions due to tobacco usage observed in the northern region
In Schleswig-Holstein, hospital admissions for smoking-related illnesses have surged, according to the AOK Nordwest. A study based on Statistics Office data shows a staggering 14,418 hospital admissions in 2023, marking an 8% increase from the previous year.
The primary causes of hospitalization were chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) and malignant neoplasms in the respiratory system. On World No Tobacco Day, which falls on May 31st, AOK Nordwest Chairman Tom Ackermann highlighted the significance of promoting smoking cessation among the youth, as smoking remains the leading preventable risk factor for lung cancer and COPD.
COPD, a lung disease primarily caused by smoking, is the most common smoking-related illness. The disease results in the permanent narrowing of airways, causing shortness of breath and frequent coughing. Smoking causes inflammation in the lung tissue, leading to long-term narrowing of the bronchi. According to AOK Nordwest data, there are 108,900 COPD patients aged 40 and over in Schleswig-Holstein, amounting to 6.3% of the total population. The prevalence of the disease increases significantly with age beginning at 40.
For those battling tobacco addiction, 2,600 were medically treated in Schleswig-Holstein in 2023, while 1,800 individuals were treated in Hamburg. The high prevalence of tobacco addiction remains a concern, as the smoking behavior during medical contacts is not always documented. As a result, accurate figures on tobacco dependency based on medical diagnostic data cannot be reliably extracted.
In an effort to combat rising hospital admissions and tobacco use, current strategies employed by Schleswig-Holstein and AOK Nordwest focus on digital engagement, prevention, and structured health support. This includes the deployment of digital questionnaires, follow-up services, and personalized health improvement plans. Additionally, structured digital follow-up services are crucial, particularly for high-risk groups, in order to prevent adverse outcomes and reduce hospital admissions.
On a global scale, World No Tobacco Day, established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1987, serves as a warning about the health risks associated with smoking. This year, the Action Alliance Non-smoking, a coalition of 21 specialist societies and health organizations, has advocated for annual increases in tobacco tax and an end to all marketing for tobacco and nicotine products.
- The surge in hospital admissions for smoking-related illnesses in Schleswig-Holstein is due in part to the community and employment policies that fail to adequately address tobacco use.
- Science has identified chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) and malignant neoplasms in the respiratory system as primary causes of hospitalization from tobacco use, underscoring the importance of workplace-wellness programs that promote non-smoking.
- In addition to COPD, chronic diseases such as chronic kidney disease, cancer, and respiratory conditions are prevalent among tobacco users, emphasizing the need for policies addressing mental health, skin care, therapies and treatments, and cardiovascular health for smokers.
- Considering the significant increase in hospital admissions for smoking-related illnesses, it is essential that employment policies prioritize the health and wellness of employees who are suffering from chronic conditions, including COPD.
- With the rising number of COPD patients in Schleswig-Holstein, employment policies should provide adequate support for those battling chronic kidney disease, COPD, and other smoking-related illnesses, including medical-conditions management and workplace accommodations.
- As communities work to combat tobacco use, they should consider implementing policies that align with the global strategies on World No Tobacco Day, such as increasing tobacco taxes and banning marketing for tobacco products.
- To effectively reduce the number of hospital admissions for smoking-related illnesses, community and employment policies must be updated to incorporate best practices in digital engagement, prevention, and structured health support, including personalized health improvement plans and targeted follow-up services for high-risk groups.
