CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Promoting tobacco-free lifestyles through sport: Insights from a pilot survey of athletes
1
Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
Tob. Prev. Cessation 2026;12(Supplement 1):A26
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND-AIM:
Athletes are generally associated with healthy behaviours, yet tobacco use persists within this population. Understanding their perceptions and behaviours can help shape targeted tobacco-free sport initiatives.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional online survey (launched in October 2025 and still ongoing) was administered to adults who regularly practice sport. The questionnaire investigated socio- demographic characteristics, sport participation, tobacco use, and perceptions of tobacco’s impact on performance. Data were collected anonymously after informed consent and analysed using SPSS v.22.0.
RESULTS:
The preliminary analysis included 232 Italian participants (mean age 39 ± 14.6 years; 56% women). Most practiced sport at an amateur level (85.3%) and in individual disciplines (51.7%). The prevalence of current smoking/vaping was 24.8%, with smoking more frequent among team- sport athletes (36.6%) than among those engaged in individual sports (22.8%). Traditional cigarettes were the most commonly used products (10.8%), and smoking initiation occurred mainly during adolescence. Two-thirds of former smokers reported improved performance after quitting. Participants widely acknowledged the negative impact of tobacco on athletic performance and were aware that both cigarettes and new nicotine products represent risk factors for multiple diseases—especially respiratory conditions—and that sport does not offset their harm. Traditional cigarettes were perceived as the most harmful, while stress, habit, and social factors were identified as the main motivations for tobacco use. About two-thirds expressed interest in participating in a sports-based programme promoting a smoke- and vape-free lifestyle.
CONCLUSIONS:
Tobacco use among athletes remains considerable despite high awareness of associated health risks. The higher prevalence observed in team sports suggests specific behavioural and motivational dynamics. These findings underscore the need for targeted prevention strategies and highlight the potential of sport settings in promoting tobacco-free lifestyles.
Athletes are generally associated with healthy behaviours, yet tobacco use persists within this population. Understanding their perceptions and behaviours can help shape targeted tobacco-free sport initiatives.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional online survey (launched in October 2025 and still ongoing) was administered to adults who regularly practice sport. The questionnaire investigated socio- demographic characteristics, sport participation, tobacco use, and perceptions of tobacco’s impact on performance. Data were collected anonymously after informed consent and analysed using SPSS v.22.0.
RESULTS:
The preliminary analysis included 232 Italian participants (mean age 39 ± 14.6 years; 56% women). Most practiced sport at an amateur level (85.3%) and in individual disciplines (51.7%). The prevalence of current smoking/vaping was 24.8%, with smoking more frequent among team- sport athletes (36.6%) than among those engaged in individual sports (22.8%). Traditional cigarettes were the most commonly used products (10.8%), and smoking initiation occurred mainly during adolescence. Two-thirds of former smokers reported improved performance after quitting. Participants widely acknowledged the negative impact of tobacco on athletic performance and were aware that both cigarettes and new nicotine products represent risk factors for multiple diseases—especially respiratory conditions—and that sport does not offset their harm. Traditional cigarettes were perceived as the most harmful, while stress, habit, and social factors were identified as the main motivations for tobacco use. About two-thirds expressed interest in participating in a sports-based programme promoting a smoke- and vape-free lifestyle.
CONCLUSIONS:
Tobacco use among athletes remains considerable despite high awareness of associated health risks. The higher prevalence observed in team sports suggests specific behavioural and motivational dynamics. These findings underscore the need for targeted prevention strategies and highlight the potential of sport settings in promoting tobacco-free lifestyles.
| eISSN: | 2459-3087 |
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