According to the Croatian Institute of Public Health’s data, 31% of people above the age of 15 smoke. On average they are smoking 16 cigarettes per day with the average monthly spend on cigarettes 512 kuna (74 dollars) per person.
“There are a variety of circumstances. Multifactorial. Unemployment and higher levels of stress certainly plays a role,” Tomislav Benjak from the Department of Public Health told RTL [news agency].
http://www.croatiaweek.com/croatian-women-2nd-biggest-smokers-behind-bangladesh/
It doesn't take long for any Zagreb visitor to notice the coffee shops which are everywhere. In the daylight hours and in the evenings these coffee shops are crowded with customers. We walk past these shops and ask, “Are there any Croatians at work?” Overall unemployment of those actively looking for a job are 18% while unemployment among young adults is 44%.
A lot of social issues together result in the fact of high smokers in Croatia
1) Stress is among the key factors which contribute to the reason many smoke. Let us pray that the spirit of discontent would be lifted. Let us come against hopelessness gripping the nation.
2) Smoking is also very deeply rooted in the culture and history of Croatian and the Balkan people in general. May this curse be broken off and a generation would arise truly standing up against such addictions.
3) Lets pray specifically for the women who are trapped in this cycle. Lord break every chain which binds and release the hope of Jesus Christ that sets the captives free.
4) May there be more education and information made available in creative ways throughout the educational and media outlets concerning the negative health effects of smoking.
5) We pray for the children who are exposed to smoking from a young age due to parents and family smoking. We pray that this cycle might be broken in Jesus’ name.
Labels: cancer, christian, christians, Croatia, health, prayer, smoking, Zagreb