Evaluation of the prevalence of tobacco and nicotine products in sport in French-speaking Switzerland (EPTAS)

Background

The relationship between the use of tobacco and nicotine products and physical activity is complex. While some studies suggest that participating in sports has a protective effect against smoking, others report higher use of certain oral products among athletes. 

Objective

This study aims to assess the prevalence and contexts of tobacco and nicotine product use among people who participate in sports in French-speaking Switzerland.

Methods

An online survey was conducted between October 2025 and January 2026 among 1,677 individuals aged 14 and older who engaged in at least one physical activity per week. The sample, weighted by age and sex, consisted of highly active individuals, many of whom were involved in clubs and competitions.

Results

17% of respondents reported daily use of tobacco or nicotine products. Cigarettes are the most commonly used product, followed by e-cigarettes.

Participation in sports is associated with a daily prevalence of cigarette use similar to that of the general Swiss population (11%), but with a lower number of cigarettes per day (–4). In contrast, it is linked to higher use of e-cigarettes and oral tobacco products (snus and nicotine pouches).

Use was higher among participants in team, strength, racquet, mountain, and combat sports.

Approximately 10% of respondents began using these products in a sports context, particularly snus among ice hockey players (41%).

The data identified two typical patterns of use in sports settings:

• young men who participate in team and/or high-intensity sports and use oral tobacco products
• young women who use cigarettes and e-cigarettes for weight control in sports related to body image

Coaches and other supervisors are key players in prevention efforts, but 42% report that they are not sufficiently informed to answer questions about tobacco and nicotine products.

Conclusion

The results confirm that sports can protect against the use of conventional cigarettes, but show that certain sports contexts encourage the use of other tobacco and nicotine products. 

Prevention efforts should combine structural measures that limit the appeal, visibility, and accessibility of these products with targeted interventions tailored to specific sports and target audiences. 

Promoting the norm of non-use, developing young people’s psychosocial skills, and strengthening the role of supervisors are also key strategies.

• More information: full report