Tobacco in Australia Facts & Issues A comprehensive online resource
tobaccoinaustralia.org.au Book excerpt
List of chapters available at tobaccoinaustralia.org.au Introduction Chapter 1 Trends in the prevalence of smoking Chapter 2 Trends in tobacco consumption Chapter 3 The health effects of active smoking Chapter 4 The health effects of secondhand smoke Chapter 5 Factors influencing the uptake and prevention of smoking Chapter 6 Addiction Chapter 7 Smoking cessation Chapter 8 Tobacco use among Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders Chapter 9 Smoking and social disadvantage Chapter 10 The obaccot industry in Australian society Chapter 11 Tobacco advertising and promotion Chapter 12 The construction and labelling of Australian cigarettes Chapter 13 The ricingp and taxation of tobacco products in Australia Chapter 14 Social marketing and public education campaigns Chapter 15 Smokefree environments Chapter 16 Tobacco litigation in Australia Chapter 17 The economics of tobacco control Chapter 18 The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Appendix 1 Useful weblinks to tobacco resources
Tobacco in Australia: Facts and Issues. A comprehensive review of the major issues in smoking and health in Australia, compiled by Cancer Council Victoria. First edition published by ASH (Australia) Limited, Surry Hills, NSW, 1989 Second edition published by the Victorian Smoking and Health Program, Carlton South, Victoria (Quit Victoria), 1995 Third (2008) and fourth (2012) editions, and ongoing updating, published by Cancer Council Victoria in electronic format only. ISBN number: 978-0-947283-76-6 Suggested citation: Scollo, MM and Winstanley, MH. Tobacco in Australia: Facts and issues. Melbourne: Cancer Council Victoria; 2016. Available from www.TobaccoInAustralia.org.au OR
Chapter 1 Trends in the prevalence of smoking Chapter 1: Trends in the prevalence of smoking i Chapter 1 Trends in the prevalence of smoking
Dr Elizabeth Greenhalgh Megan Bayly Table of contents Margaret Winstanley 2015 1.1 A brief history of tobacco smoking in Australia
1.2 Overview of major Australian data sets
1.3 Prevalence of smoking—adults
1.4 Prevalence of smoking—young adults
1.5 Prevalence of smoking—middle-aged and older adults
1.6 Prevalence of smoking—secondary students
1.7 Trends in the prevalence of smoking by socio-economic status
1.8 Trends in prevalence of smoking by country of birth
1.9 Prevalence of tobacco use among Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders
1.10 Prevalence of smoking in other high-risk sub-groups of the population
1.11 Prevalence of use of different types of tobacco product
1.12 Prevalence of smoking among health professionals
1.13 International comparisons of prevalence of smoking
1.14 Smoking by Australian states and territories
Last updated: November 2015 Chapter 1: Prevalence » 1.1 A brief history of tobacco smoking in Australia
1.1 A brief history of tobacco smoking in Australia
Tobacco smoking first reached Australian shores when it was introduced to northern-dwelling Indigenous communities by visiting Indonesian fishermen in the early 1700s.1 British patterns of tobacco use were transported to Australia along with the new settlers in 1788. Among free settlers, officers and convicts, tobacco smoking was widespread2,3 and in the years following colonisation, British smoking behaviour was rapidly adopted by Indigenous people as well.i 4
In the earliest days of the colony the tobacco supply was unreliable and usage among convicts, in particular, was restricted,4 but by the early 1800s tobacco was an essential commodity routinely issued to servants, prisoners and ticket-of-leave men (conditionally released convicts) as an inducement to work, or conversely, withheld as a means of punishment.3 Home-grown tobacco was outlawed after initial plantings, since producing food for the new colony was deemed a priority. Illegal crops continued to flourish, however, and in 1803 tobacco growing was sanctioned once more.4 According to a contemporary observer in 1819, 80% or 90% of male labourers were smokers.4
In contrast, few European women smoked; those who did were convicts, prostitutes and members of the serving underclass, continuing a practice learned in English prisons, or, according to later folklore, 'stout- hearted' characters working in areas of male-dominated employment or living by their wits in the bush.2
Pipe smoking was the most common means of tobacco consumption in the nineteenth century, with imported leaf coming from Brazil, and later, North America, to supplement the local produce.4 The habit of chewing plug tobacco, which was popular in the US, was never more than a minority behaviour in Australia.4
Partially machine- and hand-made cigarettes were first developed in England in the mid-1800s, and totally mechanised production was possible by the 1880s. Although initially dismissed as effeminate by some and as the choice of dandies or larrikins by others, the comparative cheapness and convenience of mass-produced cigarettes changed the way Australians smoked forever. The cigarette became ubiquitous in the trenches of the First World War, during which more than 60% of tobacco donated to the Allies on the Western Front as part of their rations arrived in the form of cigarettes.2 Consumption levels by the Allied Armies also increased dramatically, escalating by up to 70% compared to levels used pre-war.5
Meanwhile, attitudes towards smoking among women had begun to change as well. While clandestine smoking may have been indulged in by the avant-garde and the fashionable prior to the war, the changes in society during the 1920s brought female smoking into the open, and in the following decades advertising began to target women.5,6 The increasing engagement of women in the paid workforce, particularly with the outbreak of the Second World War, led to greater social and financial freedom for many women, which in turn fuelled higher smoking rates.2,5 By the end of the war, more than one-quarter of Australian women were smokers, along with almost three-quarters of adult males.7 Although the second half of the 1900s brought confirmation that tobacco use is a major cause of death and disease, female smoking continued to increase, peaking at one-third in the mid-1970s, by which time smoking in males had begun to decline.8,9
i The history of tobacco use among Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including traditional use of naturally occurring plants which contain nicotine and the subsequent introduction of smoking by European settlers, is discussed in detail in Chapter 8. References
1. Brady M. Historical and cultural roots of tobacco use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health 2002;26:116–20.
2. Walker R. Under fire. A history of tobacco smoking in Australia. Melbourne: Melbourne University Press, 1984.
3. Brady M and Long J. Mutual exploitation? Aboriginal Australian encounters with Europeans, Southeast Asians, and tobacco. In Jankowiak, W and Bradburd, D, Editors, Drugs, labor and colonial expansion. Tuscon: The University of Arizona Press, 2003. Available from: http://tobacco.health.usyd.edu.au /site/supersite/resources/pdfs/Brady_2003.pdf
4. Walker R. Tobacco smoking in Australia, 1788–1914. Historical Studies 1980;19:267–85.
5. US Department of Health and Human Services. The health consequences of smoking for women: a report of the Surgeon General. Rockville, Maryland: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, Office on Smoking and Health, 1980. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/sgr/previous_sgr.htm
6. Ernster V. Mixed messages for women. A social history of cigarette smoking and advertising. New York State Journal of Medicine 1985;85(7):335–40.
7. Woodward S. Trends in cigarette consumption in Australia. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Medicine 1984;14(4):405–7. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6596048
8. Gray N and Hill D. Patterns of tobacco smoking in Australia. Medical Journal of Australia 1975;2(22):819–22. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed& cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=1207580&query_hl=2&itool=pubmed_docsum
9. Gray N and Hill D. Patterns of tobacco smoking in Australia II. Medical Journal of Australia 1977;2(10):327–8. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed& cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=927253&query_hl=12&itool=pubmed_docsum
Copyright © 2016 The Cancer Council. All rights reserved. Chapter 1: Prevalence » 1.2 Overview of major Australian data sets
1.2 Overview of major Australian data sets
Last updated: November 2015 Suggested citation: Greenhalgh, EM, Bayly, M, & Winstanley, MH. 1.2 Overview of major Australian data sets. In Scollo, MM and Winstanley, MH [editors]. Tobacco in Australia: Facts and issues. Melbourne: Cancer Council Victoria; 2015. Available from http://www.tobaccoinaustralia.org.au/chapter-1-prevalence /1-2-overview-of-major-australian-data-sets
Several series of surveys investigating adult smoking behaviour in Australia have been undertaken in recent decades, providing a wealth of information. The most comprehensive are: the National Health Surveys, conducted approximately five-yearly (and more recently three-yearly) by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, with the first including routine questionsi on smoking behaviour undertaken in 1989–19901–6 the National Drug Strategy Household Surveys, results of which are published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, commencing in 1985 and conducted every two to three years7–15 surveys undertaken by research groups under the auspices of Cancer Council Victoria (formerly the Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria) at three-yearly intervals, from 1974 to 1998.16–25 Since 2001, the National Drug Strategy Household Survey has assessed smoking status using a consistent methodology considered similar to that of Cancer Council Victoria surveys26 Additional analysisii of both of these data sources has produced the most consistently collected and detailed trends data available for Australia, spanning the years from 1980 to 2013. the National Tobacco Survey, which collects information annually on tobacco use and behaviours among Australian teenagers and adults on behalf of the Department of Health and Ageing. It was first commissioned in 1997 as a tool to evaluate the National Tobacco Campaign but was also used for several years to monitor the impact of other tobacco policy initiatives.27 Results of this survey have not been published for some time.
Discussion in this chapter will draw on these and other sources. In most cases the latest estimates of smoking prevalence and analysis of historical trends are drawn from National Drug Strategy Household Survey data (as described in Footnote ii).
Changes in the volume of tobacco consumed are discussed in Chapter 2.
i A survey undertaken by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 1977 also provides data on smoking behaviour from this period. (Australian Bureau of Statistics. 4380.0 Alcohol and tobacco consumption patterns, February 1977. Canberra: ABS, 1977.)
ii Prevalence data from 1980 to 1998 presented in section 1.3 originate from previously unpublished analyses undertaken by the Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, within Cancer Council Victoria, excluding individuals aged under 18 years and weighting the data sets to 2001 census data based on five standard categories of age and sex. Information presented here therefore differs slightly from that published in prior journal articles describing Australian adult prevalence of smoking in these years. Survey data for 1995–2013 presented in most sections are taken from the National Drug Strategy Household Surveys, undertaken by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, and analysed by the Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer. This data is weighted to the Australian population appropriate for each survey year. Because there are some inconsistencies between the two surveys in data collection methods, sample size, and weighting procedures, only data from 2001 onward is included in longitudinal analysis.
Notes on methodology
Cancer Council Victoria data were collected as part of an omnibus survey conducted by the same national market research company in each survey year. A random sample of households across Australia was selected for surveying and interviewers conducted face to face surveys with respondents aged 14+ years in their home. The original analyses of data from these surveys were based on data from respondents aged 16 and over. The National Drug Strategy Household Survey is also a survey of a random sample of men and women aged 14+ years across Australia, and is conducted by a market research company. The 2010 and 2013 surveys consisted solely of a self-completion drop-and-collect method. In 2004 and 2007, computer-assisted telephone interviews were used in addition to the drop-and-collect survey, and prior to 2001, face-to-face interviews were also used. Data from the National Drug Strategy Household Survey have also been re-analysed using the following source files:
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. National Drug Strategy Household Survey, 1995 (computer file). Canberra: Australian Social Science Data Archive, The Australian National University, 1995.
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. National Drug Strategy Household Survey, 1998 (computer file). Canberra: Australian Social Science Data Archive, The Australian National University, 1998.
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. National Drug Strategy Household Survey, 2001 (computer file). Canberra: Australian Social Science Data Archive, The Australian National University, 2001.
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. National Drug Strategy Household Survey, 2004, (computer file). Canberra: Australian Social Science Data Archives, The Australian National University, 2005.
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2007: First Results. (Computer File). Canberra: Australian Social Science Data Archive, The Australian National University, 2008.
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. National Drug Strategy Household Survey, 2010 (computer file). Canberra: Australian Data Archive, The Australian National University, 2011.
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. National Drug Strategy Household Survey, 2013 [computer file], 2015, Australian Data Archive, The Australian National University: Canberra.
The two surveys use different questions to define 'current' smoking. In Cancer Council Victoria surveys, the question for assessing smoking status (which remained unchanged for the duration of the survey period) asked respondents to classify themselves as a current smoker of cigarettes or cigars or pipes, an ex-smoker of any tobacco product, or a never smoker. In the National Drug Strategy Household Survey, smoking status is ascertained since 2001 by asking respondents if they have ever tried a cigarette or smoked a full cigarette, and then inquiring of respondents who say ‘yes’, whether they have smoked more than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime. Respondents indicating that they have smoked more than 100 cigarettes are asked: ‘How often do you now smoke cigarettes, pipes, or other tobacco products?’ and are asked to select one of the following responses: ‘daily’, ‘at least weekly’, ‘less often than weekly’, ‘not at all but I have smoked in the past 12 months’, or ‘not at all and I have not smoked in the past 12 months’. Respondents indicating that they smoke ‘daily’ or ‘at least weekly’ are classified as current smokers. A calibration study 24 of the two different approaches has found that they produced the same estimates of smoking prevalence, indicating that these data sets can reasonably be combined to analyse trends.
References
1. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 4364.0 National Health Survey 1989–90: summary of results. Canberra: ABS, 1992. Available from: http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected] /second+level+view?ReadForm&prodno=4364.0& viewtitle=National%20Health%20Survey:%20Summary%20of%20Results~1995~Previous~28/08/1997&& tabname=Past%20Future%20Issues&prodno=4364.0&issue=1995&num=&view=&
2. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 4364.0 National Health Survey 1995: summary of results. Canberra: ABS, 1997. Available from: http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected]/DetailsPage/4364.01995?OpenDocument
3. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 4364.0 National Health Survey 2001: summary of results. Canberra: ABS, 2002. Available from: http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected]/DetailsPage/4364.02001?OpenDocument
4. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 4364.0 National Health Survey 2004–05: summary of results. Canberra: ABS, 2006. Available from: http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected]/DetailsPage /4364.02004-05?OpenDocument
5. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 4364.0 National Health Survey: summary of results (re-issue), 2007–08 Canberra: ABS, 2009. Available from: http://www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/ausstats/subscriber.nsf /0/9FD6625F3294CA36CA25761C0019DDC5/$File/43640_2007-2008%20%28reissue%29.pdf
6. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 4364.0 National Health Survey: summary of results (re-issue), 2007–08 Canberra: ABS, 2009. Available from: http://www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/ausstats/subscriber.nsf /0/9FD6625F3294CA36CA25761C0019DDC5/$File/43640_2007-2008%20%28reissue%29.pdf
7. Makkai T and McAllister. Patterns of drug use in Australia. An analysis of national trend data 1985–1991. Canberra: Commonwealth Department of Health, Housing, Local Government and Community Services, 1993.
8. Commonwealth Department of Health Housing and Local Government and Community Services. 1993 National Drug Strategy Household Survey. Conducted on behalf of the National Drug Strategy. Canberra: AGPS, 1993.
9. Commonwealth of Australia. National Drug Strategy Household Survey. Canberra: AGPS, 1996.
10. Adhikari P and Summerill A. 1998 National Drug Strategy Household Survey: detailed findings. Drug statistics series no. 6, AIHW cat. no. PHE 27. Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 1999. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/6243
11. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2001 National Drug Strategy Household Survey: detailed findings. Drug statistics series no. 11, AIHW cat. no. PHE 41. Canberra: AIHW, 2002. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/8227
12. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2004 National Drug Strategy Household Survey: detailed findings. Drug strategy series no.16, AIHW cat. no. PHE 66. Canberra: AIHW, 2005. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/phe/ndshsdf04/ndshsdf04.pdf
13. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2007 National Drug Strategy Household Survey: detailed findings. Drug statistics series no. 22, AIHW cat. no. PHE 107. Canberra: AIHW, 2008. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/10674
14. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2010 National Drug Strategy Household Survey: survey report. Drug statistics series no. 25, AIHW cat. no. PHE 145. Canberra: AIHW, 2011. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=32212254712&libID=32212254712&tab=2
15. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. National Drug Strategy Household Survey detailed report: 2013. Cat. no. PHE 183 Canberra: AIHW, 2014. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail /?id=60129549469&tab=3
16. Gray N and Hill D. Patterns of tobacco smoking in Australia. Medical Journal of Australia 1975;2(22):819–22. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed& cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=1207580&query_hl=2&itool=pubmed_docsum
17. Gray N and Hill D. Patterns of tobacco smoking in Australia II. Medical Journal of Australia 1977;2(10):327–8. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed& cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=927253&query_hl=12&itool=pubmed_docsum
18. Hill D and Gray N. Patterns of tobacco smoking in Australia. Medical Journal of Australia 1982;1(1):23–5. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve& dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=927253&query_hl=12&itool=pubmed_docsum
19. Hill D and Gray N. Australian patterns of smoking and related health beliefs in 1983. Community Health Studies 1984;8(3):307–16. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6518750
20. Hill D. Australian patterns of tobacco smoking in 1986. Medical Journal of Australia 1988;149(1):6–10. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3386578?ordinalpos=1& itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum
21. Hill DJ, White VM and Gray NJ. Measures of tobacco smoking in Australia 1974–1986 by means of a standard method. Medical Journal of Australia 1988;149(1):10–2. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov /pubmed/3386561
22. Hill D, White V and Gray N. Australian patterns of tobacco smoking in 1989. Medical Journal of Australia 1991;154(12):797–801. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2041504
23. Hill D and White V. Australian adult smoking prevalence in 1992. Australian Journal of Public Health 1995;19(3):305–8. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7626682?ordinalpos=17& itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum
24. Hill DJ, White VM and Scollo MM. Smoking behaviours of Australian adults in 1995: trends and concerns. Medical Journal of Australia 1998;168(5):209–13. Available from: http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues /mar2/hill/hill.html
25. White V, Hill D, Siahpush M and Bobevski I. How has the prevalence of cigarette smoking changed among Australian adults? Trends in smoking prevalence between 1980 and 2001. Tobacco Control 2003;12(suppl. 2):ii67–ii74. Available from: http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/12/suppl_2/ii67
26. Mullins R and Borland R. Changing the way smoking is measured among Australian adults: a preliminary investigation. In Quit evaluation studies no. 9. Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria, 1998. 163–73. Available from: http://www.quit.org.au/downloads/QE/QE9/QE9Home.html
27. The Social Research Centre. National Tobacco Survey: Smoking Prevalence and Consumption 1997–2005. Sydney: for the Research and Marketing Group, Business Group, Department of Health and Ageing, 2006. Available from: http://www.quitnow.info.au/internet/quitnow/publishing.nsf/content /E358356416AB1E48CA2571A30081B517/$File/prevalence-feb06.pdf
Copyright © 2016 The Cancer Council. All rights reserved. Chapter 1: Prevalence » 1.3 Prevalence of smoking—adults
1.3 Prevalence of smoking—adults
Last updated: November 2015 Suggested citation: Greenhalgh, EM, Bayly, M, & Winstanley, MH. 1.3 Prevalence of smoking—adults. In Scollo, MM and Winstanley, MH [editors]. Tobacco in Australia: Facts and issues. Melbourne: Cancer Council Victoria; 2015. Available from http://www.tobaccoinaustralia.org.au/chapter-1-prevalence /1-3-prevalence-of-smoking-adults
1.3.1 Latest estimates of smoking prevalence
Recent data on prevalence of smoking in Australia can be found in the latest report of the National Drug Strategy Household Survey published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare1 and the National Health Survey, published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.2
National Drug Strategy Household Survey
The National Drug Strategy Household Survey most commonly refers to daily smoking rates among those 14 years and over. However, the detailed report also includes figures for those 18 years and over who smoke daily, at least weekly and less than weekly. These figures are reproduced in Table 1.3.1.
Table 1.3.1 Prevalence of daily, regular and current smokers* 2013—Australians 14+ and 18+ 14+ 18+
Males Daily 14 15 Weekly 2 2 Total regular smokers (daily plus weekly) 16 17 Less than weekly 2 2 Total current smokers (daily, weekly, less than weekly) 18 19 Ex-smokers† 26 28 Never smokers‡ 56 53 Females Daily 11 12 Weekly 1 1 Total regular smokers (daily plus weekly) 12 13 Less than weekly 1 1 Total current smokers (daily, weekly, less than weekly) 13 14 Ex-smokers† 22 24 Never smokers‡ 64 63 Persons (males and females) Daily 13 13 Weekly 1 1 Total regular smokers (daily plus weekly) 14 15 Less than weekly 2 2 Total current smokers (daily, weekly, less than weekly) 16 16 Ex-smokers† 24 26 Never smokers‡ 60 58 * Includes persons smoking any combination of cigarettes (factor-made and roll-your-own), pipes or cigars † Smoked more than 100 cigarettes (manufactured or roll-your own) or the equivalent amount of tobacco in their life but reports no longer smoking. ‡ Never smoked more than 100 cigarettes (manufactured or roll-your own) or the equivalent amount of tobacco. Source: National Drug Strategy Household Survey 20103, Table 3.3
In shorthand speech, the 'prevalence of smoking among adults in Australia' could be cited simply as 14.7%.
National Health Survey
The Australian Bureau of Statistics' National Health Survey also provides data on smoking prevalence.2 The prevalence of daily smoking for Australians 18 plus in the 2011–12 survey was 16.1%, and 15.6% among people 15 plus. This compares to 14.2% for Australians 14 plus in the 2013 National Drug Strategy Household Survey.1
1.3.2 Historical trends in smoking prevalence
Measurements of the prevalence of smoking in Australia first became available in 1945. Limited survey data4 are available for the years between then and 1974, when the Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria (now Cancer Council Victoria) conducted its first national survey.5,6 These early data show that in around the middle of the last century, a clear majority of males aged 16 and over were smokers, compared to about one-quarter of females (Table 1.3.2). In the following decades smoking among men declined, probably in response to the initial publicity regarding the health effects of smoking, which first emerged in the 1950s and early 1960s.7-10 Women have always had a lower prevalence of smoking than men, but smoking among women continued to increase in the 1970s.
Table 1.3.2 Percentage of current smokers* in Australia, 1945–1976 Female Year Male (%) (%) 1945 72 26 1964 58 28 1969 45 28 1974 45 30 1976 43 33 * Includes persons describing themselves as 'current smokers' smoking any combination of cigarettes, pipes or cigars. Age range for 1945, 1964 and 1969 not specified. Data for 1974 and 1976 are for people aged 16 and over Sources: Woodward,4 Gray and Hill 5,6
The findings of the early studies from Cancer Council Victoria are broadly confirmed by those of a survey by the Australian Bureau of Statistics undertaken in 1977, which found that 36% of the adult population (aged 18 and over) were smokers: 43% of men and 29% of women.11
Table 1.3.3 shows the proportion of smokers in the population aged 18 and over from 1980 to 1998. Taking into account the ageing of the population and other demographic trends over that period by standardising this data to the 2001 population structure, the prevalence of smoking declined for both sexes over this period, the most dramatic drop occurring among males between 1983 and 1986, when prevalence decreased relatively by 15%. The differential in smoking rates between the sexes also continued to close (while remaining statistically significant across the years to 1998), largely due to greater numbers of men quitting smoking during the mid-to-late 1980s. However, the overall rate of decline seen during the 1980s did not continue into the 1990s, where the prevalence of smoking levelled at about 27%.
Table 1.3.3 Prevalence of regular* smoker†in Australia aged 18+, 1980–1998‡ Year Male Female Total 1980 41 30 35 1983 40 29 35 1986 34 28 31 1989 30 27 28 1992 29 24 27 1995 28 24 26 1998 27 25 26 % difference 1980–2010 -14 -5 -9 Relative change 1980–2010 -34 -17 -26 * See footnote ii in Section 1.2 ffor explanatory notes regarding methodology used in attaining this data set. Note that figures represent those describing themselves as ‘current smokers’ with no frequency specified. † Includes persons smoking any combination of cigarettes, pipes or cigars. ‡ All data weighted to 2001 census population data. Source: Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, analysis of data from surveys conducted by the Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria.
After this relatively static period in the 1990s, the decline resumed for both sexes after 1998. Data from the National Drug Strategy household Survey shows that since 2001, there has been a statistically significant decline in the prevalence of smoking for men, women, and the total sample (see Table 1.3.4).
Table 1.3.4 Prevalence of regular* smoker†in Australia aged 18+, 1995–2013‡ Year Male Female Total 1995 29 24 27 1998 29 24 27 2001 24 20 22 2004 22 18 20 2007 21 17 19 2010 19 16 18 2013 17 13 15 % difference 1995–2013 -12 -11 -12 Relative change 1995–2013 -41 -46 -44 * Includes those reporting that they smoke ‘daily’ or ‘at least weekly’. † Includes persons smoking any combination of cigarettes, pipes or cigars. ‡ All data weighted to the Australian population appropriate for each survey year and may vary slightly from data presented in previous edition. Previous versions of this table used data from both the Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria and National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS), while this version uses only NDSHS data. Source: Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer analysis of National Drug Strategy Household Survey data from 1995 to 2013.
Hill and colleagues have suggested that the pattern of decline in smoking prevalence correlates with the level of tobacco control activities occurring at the time.12,13 The drop in male smoking rates seen in the early 1980s coincided with a period of new, well-funded media-led Quit campaigns12 and an upsurge in debate about tobacco control issues in the media, fuelled by the outspoken campaigning of groups such as the Australian Council on Smoking and Health and Action on Smoking and Health, and the widely publicised activities of the fringe groups MOP UP and BUGA UP.i Conversely, the steady prevalence rates in both sexes seen during the 1990s correspond with a lull in legislative activity concerning tobacco advertising and smoking restrictions, and also with a sharp reduction in per capita expenditure on public education campaigns.12
The subsequent downturn in smoking prevalence seen by the end of the 1990s—see figure 1.3.1—may be attributable to the combined effects of increased tobacco taxes,14 additional smokefree legislation, and the National Tobacco Campaign, a mass-media led program aimed at encouraging cessation, which was launched in June 199715 and ran over several subsequent years.16,17 (See also Chapter 10.)
Figure 1.3.1 Prevalence of regular* smokers† in Australia aged 18+, for all Australians and by gender —1980–2013‡ * Anti-Cancer Council data includes those describing themselves as ‘current smokers’ with no frequency specified; NDSHS data includes those reporting that they smoke ‘daily’ or ‘at least weekly’. † Includes persons smoking any combination of cigarettes, pipes or cigars. ‡ Anti-Cancer Council data weighted to 2001 census population data, standardised by age and sex; NDSHS survey data weighted to the Australian population appropriate for each survey year and is not standardised. Source: Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, analysis of data from surveys conducted by the Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria from 1980–1998, and data from National Drug Strategy Household Surveys from 1995 to 2013. Smoking remains a leading cause of death and disease in Australia, killing an estimated 15,531 people annually.18 Since about one in six men and about one in eight women still smoke,1 and given that two–thirds of these smokers can be expected to die because of their tobacco use if they do not quit,19 the sequelae of tobacco-caused death and disease will remain for decades to come. Mortality caused by tobacco use is discussed in Chapter 3. i MOP UP and BUGA UP were acronyms for The Movement Opposed to the Promotion of Unhealthy Products and Billboard Utilising Graffitists Against Unhealthy Promotions respectively. Readers interested in the history and activities of these lobbying groups are referred in the first instance to: Chapman S. Civil disobedience and tobacco control: the case of BUGA UP (Billboard Utilising Graffitists Against Unhealthy Promotions). Tobacco Control 1996;5:179–85. Available from http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/cgi/reprint/5/3/179
References
1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2010 National Drug Strategy Household Survey: survey report. Drug statistics series no. 25, AIHW cat. no. PHE 145. Canberra: AIHW, 2011. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=32212254712&libID=32212254712&tab=2
2. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 4364.0.55.003 - Australian Health Survey: Updated Results, 2011-2012. 2013. Available from: http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/Lookup /E3E02505DCAF230CCA257B82001794EB?opendocument
3. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. National Drug Strategy Household Survey detailed report: 2013 - Supplementary tables. Canberra: AIHW, 2014. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail /?id=60129549469&tab=3
4. Woodward S. Trends in cigarette consumption in Australia. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Medicine, 1984; 14(4):405–7. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6596048
5. Gray N and Hill D. Patterns of tobacco smoking in Australia. Medical Journal of Australia, 1975; 2(22):819–22. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1207580
6. Gray N and Hill D. Patterns of tobacco smoking in Australia II. Medical Journal of Australia, 1977; 2(10):327–8. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/927253
7. Doll R and Hill A. A study of the aetiology of carcinoma of the lung. British Medical Journal, 1952; 2(4797):1271–86. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2022425 /pdf/brmedj03472-0009.pdf
8. Wynder E and Graham E. Tobacco smoking as a possible etiologic factor in bronchogenic carcinoma. Journal of the American Medical Association, 1950; 143(4):329–36. Available from: http://www.tobacco.neu.edu/box/BOEKENBox/Journal%20Articles /1950%20Wynder%20Possible%20Etiolog%20Factor.pdf
9. Royal College of Physicians, Smoking and health: a report of the Royal College of Physicians on smoking in relation to cancer of the lung and other diseases. London: Pitman Medical Publishing Co Ltd; 1962.
10. US Department of Health and Education and Welfare. Smoking and health. Report of the Advisory Committee to the Surgeon General of the Public Health Service. Rockville, Maryland: US Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Public Health Service, 1964. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco /data_statistics/sgr/pre_1994/index.htm .
11. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 4380.0 Alcohol and tobacco consumption patterns, February 1977. Canberra: ABS, 1977.
12. Hill DJ, White VM, and Scollo MM. Smoking behaviours of Australian adults in 1995: trends and concerns. Medical Journal of Australia, 1998; 168(5):209–13. Available from: http://www.mja.com.au/public /issues/mar2/hill/hill.html 13. White V, Hill D, Siahpush M, and Bobevski I. How has the prevalence of cigarette smoking changed among Australian adults? Trends in smoking prevalence between 1980 and 2001. Tobacco Control, 2003; 12(suppl. 2):ii67−ii74. Available from: http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/12/suppl_2/ii67
14. Scollo M, Younie S, Wakefield M, Freeman J, and Icasiano F. Impact of tobacco tax reforms on tobacco prices and tobacco use in Australia. Tobacco Control, 2003; 12(suppl. 2):ii59–ii66. Available from: http://tc.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/12/suppl_2/ii59
15. Wooldridge M. Preface, in Australia’s National Tobacco Campaign. Evaluation Report Volume One. Every cigarette is doing you damage. Hassard K, Editor Canberra: Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care; 1999. Available from: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/Publishing.nsf/Content/health- pubhlth-publicat-document-metadata-tobccamp.htm/$FILE/tobccamp_a.pdf
16. The Social Research Centre. National Tobacco Survey: smoking prevalence and consumption 1997−2005. Sydney: for the Research and Marketing Group, Business Group, Department of Health and Ageing, 2006. Available from: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/quitnow/publishing.nsf/Content /9881124EAEC5A935CA25786000797D14/$File/ntspre05.pdf
17. Wakefield M, Coomber K, Durkin S, Scollo M, Bayly M, et al. Which policies reduce adult smoking prevalence? A time series analysis of Australian monthly adult smoking prevalence, 2001-2011. Bulletin of the World Health Organisation, 2014; 92(413–22). Available from: http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes /92/6/13-118448/en/
18. Begg S, Vos T, Barker B, Stevenson C, Stanley L, et al. The burden of disease and injury in Australia 2003. AIHW cat. no. PHE 82.Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2007. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/10317
19. Banks E, Joshy G, Weber MF, Liu B, Grenfell R, et al. Tobacco smoking and all-cause mortality in a large Australian cohort study: findings from a mature epidemic with current low smoking prevalence. BMC Medicine, 2015; 13:38. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25857449
Copyright © 2016 The Cancer Council. All rights reserved. Chapter 1: Prevalence » 1.4 Prevalence of smoking—young adults
1.4 Prevalence of smoking—young adults
Last updated: November 2015 Suggested citation: Greenhalgh, EM, Bayly, M, & Winstanley, MH. 1.4 Prevalence of smoking—young adults. In Scollo, MM and Winstanley, MH [editors]. Tobacco in Australia: Facts and issues. Melbourne: Cancer Council Victoria; 2015. Available from http://www.tobaccoinaustralia.org.au/chapter-1-prevalence /1-4-prevalence-of-smoking-young-adults
Young adults are defined here as people between the age of 16 and 39 years.
1.4.1 Latest estimates of prevalence of smoking among young adults
The 2013 National Drug Strategy Household Survey measured smoking prevalence among young adults,1 as shown in Table 1.4.1 by age group and sex.
Table 1.4.1 Young adults—percentage of daily, regular and current smokers* by age group and sex—ages 18–24, 25–29 and 30–39 years 18–24 24–29 30–39
Males Daily 14 17 17 Weekly 3 3 3 Total regular smokers (daily plus weekly) 17 20 20 Less than weekly 3 4 3 Total current smokers (daily, weekly, less than weekly) 20 24 23 Ex-smokers† 5 16 23 Never smokers‡ 76 60 53 Females Daily 13 15 10 Weekly 2 1 2 Total regular smokers (daily plus weekly) 15 16 12 Less than weekly 2 3 1 Total current smokers (daily, weekly, less than weekly) 17 19 13 Ex-smokers† 5 15 24 Never smokers‡ 78 66 63 Persons (males and females) Daily 13 16 14 Weekly 3 2 2 Total regular smokers (daily plus weekly) 16 18 16 Less than weekly 3 3 2 Total current smokers (daily, weekly, less than weekly) 19 22 18 Ex-smokers† 5 15 24 Never smokers‡ 77 63 58 * Includes persons smoking any combination of cigarettes (factor-made and roll-your-own), pipes or cigars. † Smoked more than 100 cigarettes (manufactured or roll-your own) or the equivalent amount of tobacco in their life but reports no longer smoking. ‡ Never smoked more than 100 cigarettes (manufactured or roll-your own) or the equivalent amount of tobacco. Source: National Drug Strategy Household Survey 20131,2
1.4.2 Trends in smoking prevalence among young adults
Table 1.4.2 shows smoking prevalence for men and women in three age groups spanning young adulthood to early middle age, between 1995 and 2013—see also Figure 1.5.1.
Examining the past 5 survey years—since 2001—the prevalence of smoking has significantly declined over time for both sexes within all age groups, and, over the passage of time, smoking rates have also converged across the age groups—see Table 1.4.2. Comparison of smoking prevalence in 2013 to each year, controlling for gender, showed that the proportion of regular smokers was significantly lower in 2013 among young adults within each age group compared to that observed in 2001–2010. Smoking prevalence was significantly lower among 18–24 year olds than among 25–29 year olds within each survey year. Prevalence among the youngest group was no different from 30–39 year olds in 2001 and 2004, before becoming significantly lower in 2007 and 2010, and then returning to similar levels in 2013.
Within each age group, generally consistent gender differences have been observed over time (examining 2001 to 2013), where among those aged 25–29 years and 30–39 years, men were at least marginally more likely to be regular smokers than women. Among 18–24 year olds, there were only significant differences in smoking prevalence between males and females in 2007 and 2010, when prevalence was significantly higher among men. In 2013, younger men were only marginally more likely to be regular smokers than women of the same age
Table 1.4.2 Young adults—percentage of regular* smokers† from 1995 to 2013, by age group and sex—ages 18–24, 25–29 and 30–39 years‡ Age group 18–24 25–29 30–39 Sex Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total 1995 33 36 35 35 40 37 35 29 32 1998 38 36 37 38 34 36 31 27 29 2001 28 26 27 34 26 30 30 26 28 2004 24 23 23 31 27 29 26 24 25 2007 21 18 19 31 26 28 25 21 23 2010 20 17 19 25 20 22 23 18 20 2013 17 14 15 20 16 18 20 12 16 * Includes those reporting that they smoke ‘daily’ or ‘at least weekly’. †Includes persons smoking any combination of cigarettes, pipes or cigars. ‡ All data weighted to the Australian population appropriate for each survey year and may vary slightly from data presented in previous edition. Further, previous versions of this table used data from both the Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria and National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS), while this version uses only NDSHS data. Source: Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer analysis of National Drug Strategy Household Survey data from 1995 to 2013.
It can be seen from Figure 1.5.1 in the following section that smoking prevalence among youngest adults (18–24 years) has changed over time in relation to prevalence among middle aged and older adults (those older than 40 years). In all survey years from 2001 to 2013, those aged 60+ have been significantly less likely to be smokers than 18–24 year olds, although the magnitude of difference between these groups has reduced over time. In 2001 and 2004, people aged 40–59 were also significantly less likely to smoke than 18–24 year olds, but since then, those aged 40–59 years were only marginally less likely to be regular smokers in 2007 and 2010, and in fact no different to those aged 18–24 years in 2013. Smoking patterns among the Australian population aged 40 and over are discussed further in section 1.5 (see Table 1.5.1 and Figure 1.5.1)
References
1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. National Drug Strategy Household Survey detailed report: 2013. Cat. no. PHE 183 Canberra: AIHW, 2014. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail /?id=60129549469&tab=3
2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. National Drug Strategy Household Survey, 2013 [computer file], 2015, Australian Data Archive, The Australian National University: Canberra.
Copyright © 2016 The Cancer Council. All rights reserved. Chapter 1: Prevalence » 1.5 Prevalence of smoking—middle-aged and older adults
1.5 Prevalence of smoking—middle-aged and older adults
Last updated: November 2015 Suggested citation: Greenhalgh, EM, Bayly, M, & Winstanley, MH. 1.5 Prevalence of smoking —middle-aged and older adults. In Scollo, MM and Winstanley, MH [editors]. Tobacco in Australia: Facts and issues. Melbourne: Cancer Council Victoria; 2015. Available from http://www.tobaccoinaustralia.org.au /chapter-1-prevalence/1-5-prevalence-of-smoking-middle-aged-and-older-ad
1.5.1 Latest estimates of prevalence among middle-aged and older adults
As noted in the preceding section, people aged under 40 years are generally more likely to smoke than those in older age groups. Table 1.5.1 shows the prevalence of smoking at various frequencies among middle-aged and older adults in 2013.
Table 1.5.1 Middle-aged and older adults—percentage of daily, regular and current smokers* by age group, sex and total population—ages 40–49, 50–59, 60–69 and 70+
40–49 50–59 60–69 70+
Males Daily 18 17 13 7 Weekly 1 1 <1 <1 Total regular smokers (daily plus weekly) 19 18 14 7 Less than weekly 2 2 <1 <1 Total current smokers (daily, weekly, less than weekly) 21 20 15 8 Ex-smokers† 27 36 42 47 Never smokers‡ 53 45 44 46 Females Daily 14 13 10 5 Weekly 1 <1 <1 <1 Total regular smokers (daily plus weekly) 16 14 11 6 Less than weekly 2 <1 <1 <1 Total current smokers (daily, weekly, less than weekly) 17 15 11 6 Ex-smokers† 29 32 29 23 Never smokers‡ 54 52 60 72 Persons (males and females) Daily 16 15 12 6 Weekly 1 <1 <1 <1 Total regular smokers (daily plus weekly) 17 16 12 6 Less than weekly 1.2 1 <1 <1 Total current smokers (daily, weekly, less than weekly) 19 17 13 6 Ex-smokers† 28 34 35 33 Never smokers‡ 53 49 52 60 * Includes persons smoking any combination of cigarettes (factor-made and roll-your-own), pipes or cigars † Smoked more than 100 cigarettes (manufactured or roll-your own) or the equivalent amount of tobacco in their life but reports no longer smoking. ‡ Never smoked more than 100 cigarettes (manufactured or roll-your own) or the equivalent amount of tobacco. Source: National Drug Strategy Household Survey 20101, Table 3.3
1.5.2 Trends in smoking prevalence among middle-aged and older adults
Consistent with smoking patterns from 2001 onward, in 2013, middle-aged (40–59 years) and older (60+ years) men were significantly more likely to have smoked at some time in their lives (that is, were a current or ex-smokers) than men aged under 40 years—see Tables 1.4.1 and 1.5.1. Patterns among women, however, have varied over time. Like middle-aged men, middle-aged women were significantly more likely to have ever smoked than younger women (aged under 40 years) in each of the survey years except 2001, when prevalence was similar. Conversely, the oldest age group (60+ years) were less likely than women under 40 years to have ever smoked up until 2010. In 2013, for the first time, both middle-aged and older women were significantly more likely to have ever smoked than women under the age of 40.
Decreasing smoking rates among the older population reflect increased quitting activity, with past studies showing that older age groups of both sexes have the highest quit proportions (defined as the proportion of ever smokers who have quit smoking).2, 3 These patterns were also seen in 2013; men and women over 60 had the highest quit proportions (80% and 76%, respectively), followed by middle-aged men and women (61% and 66%, respectively). Proportions were lowest among men and women under 40 (41% and 50%, respectively). However, tobacco-caused death and illness occurring among smokers in older age groups are also significant factors in the declining smoking rates seen in the older population, with the greatest proportion of burden of disease due to smoking affecting those aged 55–75 years.4
Table 1.5.2 and Figure 1.5.1 show that smoking prevalence has declined significantly in smokers aged 40–59 since 2001. However, among those aged 60+, only a weak trend toward a significant decline was observed over the same time period. Smoking prevalence among those aged 60+ years in 2013 was significantly lower than in 2001, but was not significantly different from that observed in 2004–2010.
Table 1.5.2 Middle-aged and older adults—percentage of regular* smokers† by age group, sex and total population for age group, 1995–2013‡ Age group 40–59 60+
Sex M F T M F T 1995 30 20 25 15 12 13 1998 29 23 26 16 13 15 2001 24 20 22 12 10 11 2004 22 18 20 12 8 9 2007 22 19 21 11 9 10 2010 21 19 20 11 8 10 2013 18 15 17 11 8 10 * Includes those reporting that they smoke ‘daily’ or ‘at least weekly’. † Includes persons smoking any combination of cigarettes, pipes or cigars. ‡ All data weighted to the Australian population appropriate for each survey year and may vary slightly from data presented in previous edition. Source: Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer analysis of National Drug Strategy Household Survey data from 1995 to 2013.
Figure 1.5.1 Prevalence of regular* smokers† in Australia aged 18+, 1995 to 2013—by age range‡ * Includes those reporting that they smoke ‘daily’ or ‘at least weekly’. † Includes persons smoking any combination of cigarettes, pipes or cigars. ‡ All data weighted to the Australian population appropriate for each survey year and may vary slightly from data presented in previous edition. Source: Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer analysis of National Drug Strategy Household Survey data from 1995 to 2013.
Data from the 2004 National Drug Strategy Household Survey provided more detailed information on smoking prevalence in older Australians. In 2004, 11% of people aged between 60 and 69, 7% of people aged between 70 and 79, and 3% of people aged 80 or more smoked on a daily basis.5
References
1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. National Drug Strategy Household Survey detailed report: 2013. Cat. no. PHE 183 Canberra: AIHW, 2014. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail /?id=60129549469&tab=3
2. Hill DJ, White VM, and Scollo MM. Smoking behaviours of Australian adults in 1995: trends and concerns. Medical Journal of Australia, 1998; 168(5):209–13. Available from: http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues /mar2/hill/hill.html
3. Gartner CE, Barendregt JJ, and Hall WD. Predicting the future prevalence of cigarette smoking in Australia: how low can we go and by when? Tobacco Control, 2009; 18:183-9. Available from: http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/tc.2008.027615v1
4. Begg S, Vos T, Barker B, Stevenson C, Stanley L, et al. The burden of disease and injury in Australia 2003. AIHW cat. no. PHE 82.Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2007. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/10317
5. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. National Drug Strategy Household Survey detailed report: 2013 - Supplementary tables. Canberra: AIHW, 2014. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail /?id=60129549469&tab=3
Copyright © 2016 The Cancer Council. All rights reserved. Chapter 1: Prevalence » 1.6 Prevalence of smoking—secondary students
1.6 Prevalence of smoking—secondary students
Last updated: November 2015 Suggested citation: Greenhalgh, EM, Bayly, M, & Winstanley, MH. 1.6 Prevalence of smoking —secondary students. In Scollo, MM and Winstanley, MH [editors]. Tobacco in Australia: Facts and issues. Melbourne: Cancer Council Victoria; 2015. Available from http://www.tobaccoinaustralia.org.au/chapter- 1-prevalence/1-6-prevalence-of-smoking-secondary-students
Most adults who smoke started smoking when they were teenagers,1,2 therefore preventing tobacco use among young people is an integral part of ending the tobacco epidemic.3 Encouraging Australian data show that in 2014, the prevalence of smoking among teenagers was at its lowest since surveys began more than three decades earlier.4 Also encouraging is that those who are taking up smoking are doing so later in their teen years.5 In 2013, the average age of initiation of tobacco use was 16.2 years, which was a statistically significant increase from 16.0 years in 2010 and 15.6 years in 1995.5,6 An estimated 16,586 Australian school children progressed from experimental to established smoking behaviour in 2014,i down from 17,900 in 20117 and 22,077 in 2005.8
National surveys of smoking behaviours among Australian secondary students have been undertaken at three-yearly intervals since 1984 — refer detailed reports for surveys in 1984,9 1987,10 1990,11 1993,12 1996,13 1999,14 2002,15 2005,16 2008,17 2011,7 and 2014.4 These surveys have been conducted as a collaborative effort of different organisations in each Australian state and territory and have been led by the Cancer Council Victoria (formally the Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria). These data provide the most comprehensive, consistently collected statistics available on smoking among adolescents in Australia.ii
The prevalence of smoking among adolescents increases with age. Table 1.6.1 shows that in 2014,[4] smoking was extremely rare among 12-year-olds, but that by the age of 17, 13% of males and 11% of females were current smokers (i.e., reported having smoked in the past week).. Since 1984, the difference in smoking prevalence between male and female students has reduced considerably. In 2014, there were similar proportions of 12– to 17-year-old male (5.4%) and female (4.9%) current smokers.
Reflecting patterns among adults (see Section 1.3), smoking among secondary students has fluctuated over time. Prevalence declined during the 1980s but increased during the first half of the 1990s, before declining again after 1996. Between 2008 and 2011, while the decreases continued among younger students, prevalence plateaued for the 16 to 17-year-olds. The most recent period of 2011 to 2014 has seen a return to the downward trend among all age groups, with a significant decrease in the proportions of current smokers.4 The prevalence figures recorded for 2014 are the lowest since the survey series began in 1984—see Figure 1.6.1.
Figure 1.6.1 Prevalence of Australian secondary school students who report smoking in the last week, Australia 1984 to 2014: 12–15 year olds and 16–17 year olds Source: White and Williams 2015 4
The first return to a downward trend in the mid– to late–1990s in smoking among teenagers coincided with the launch in 1997 of the high-profile, media-led and nationally coordinated National Tobacco Campaign.18 Although not specifically targeted at children, teenagers reported being aware of the campaign,19 and the campaign’s success in reducing adult smoking rates appears to have had the unintended but positive consequence of reducing smoking among young people.14 Other tobacco control activities over the same period—for example, increased tobacco taxes, publicity surrounding the introduction of smokefree environments, and stricter enforcement of regulations relating to sales to minors and smokefree areas—are also likely to have contributed to the decline in smoking prevalence among secondary school students.20,7 Similarly, the renewed decline in smoking among older teenagers in 2014 has come in the wake of the launch of the updated National Tobacco Strategy in 201221 and the implementation of a number of important tobacco-control strategies, such as plain packaging,22 large tobacco excise increases (see Chapter 13 Section 2), expanding smokefree environments (see Chapter 15), and new mass media campaigns.
Table 1.6.1 Percentage of Australian secondary students who smoked in the last week, 1984–2014 Age 12 13 14 15 16 17
Sex M F M F M F M F M F M F 1984 10 8 17 18 24 29 29 34 29 34 27 30 1987 5 5 10 13 19 22 25 28 27 30 25 29 1990 6 5 11 13 17 20 22 29 25 28 24 28 1993 8 7 13 14 20 23 24 28 27 28 28 31 1996 8 7 14 14 20 23 24 29 27 31 28 34 1999 6 6 11 13 21 22 21 24 27 28 33 30 2002 6 5 6 7 12 15 15 20 20 24 23 26 2005 3 2 5 5 8 10 11 12 14 17 19 17 2008 2 1 3 3 6 8 8 12 12 12 14 18 2011 1 1 3 3 6 5 8 7 12 12 16 13 2014 1 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 10 7 13 11 Sources: Hill et al;9–14 White and Hayman;15,16 White and Smith;17 White and Bariola.7 and White and Williams4
A limitation of secondary school data is that young people are required to remain in formal schooling only up until they have completed year ten, after which time they must remain in education, training, or employment up until the age of 17 (with requirements varying slightly by state). Therefore, measuring smoking prevalence among 16 and 17 year olds attending school is not fully representative of all teenagers in these age groups, particularly in the earlier survey years when there were fewer such requirements and leaving school early was more common. However, school retention rates have increased over time,23,24 and teenagers are now strongly encouraged to remain in school until the completion of Year 12 or its vocational equivalent.25 Therefore, the most recent figures likely reflect smoking prevalence rates among older teenagers more accurately than in the earlier years. Even so, these figures probably underestimate prevalence among 16– and 17–year olds to some extent. Teenagers who are committed to school, and have high academic aspirations, are less likely to smoke.26 Conversely, the transition to the workplace may expose some school- leavers to higher levels of peer smoking behaviour if they pursue a semi-skilled or unskilled vocation. Workers in blue collar occupations are more likely to be smokers (see Section 1.7.2). i Using the methodology outlined in White and Scollo5 ii A second national series reporting smoking patterns among teenagers commenced with the National Campaign Against Drug Abuse Household Survey in 1985.15 Now known as the National Drug Strategy Household Survey, these reports provide information on the population aged 14 and over, but most do not present information for individual year of age. Sample sizes are smaller than for the Australian Smoking, Alcohol and Drug Use surveys. Collection of data through confidential questionnaires administered at school (as occurs with ASSAD) is superior for this age group compared to the NDSHS's phone-based or household drop and collect surveys where teenagers' responses can be overhear/read by parents.
References
1. US Department of Health and Human Services. Preventing tobacco use among young people. A report of the Surgeon General, 1994. Atlanta, Georgia: Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office on Smoking and Health, 1994. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics /sgr/sgr_1994/index.htm
2. Hill D and Borland R. Adults' accounts of onset of regular smoking: influences of school, work and other settings. Public Health Reports, 1991; 106(2):181–5. Available from: http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov /picrender.fcgi?artid=1580225&blobtype=pdf
3. US Department of Health and Human Services. Preventing tobacco use among young people: A report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2012. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/sgr/2012/ .
4. White V and Williams T, Australian secondary school students’ use of tobacco in 2014. Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria; 2015. Available from: http://www.nationaldrugstrategy.gov.au/internet/drugstrategy/Publishing.nsf/content/school11 .
5. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. National Drug Strategy Household Survey detailed report: 2013. Cat. no. PHE 183 Canberra: AIHW, 2014. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail /?id=60129549469&tab=3 .
6. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2010 National Drug Strategy Household Survey: survey report. Drug statistics series no. 25, AIHW cat. no. PHE 145.Canberra: AIHW, 2011. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=32212254712&libID=32212254712&tab=2 .
7. White V and Bariola E. 3. Tobacco use among Australian secondary students in 2011, in Australian secondary school students’ use of tobacco, alcohol, and over-the-counter and illicit substances in 2011. Canberra: Drug Strategy Branch Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing; 2012. Available from: http://www.nationaldrugstrategy.gov.au.
8. White V and Scollo M. How many children take up smoking each year in Australia? [Letter]. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 2003; 27:359−60. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov /pubmed/14705294
9. Hill D, Willcox S, Gardner G, and Houston J. Tobacco and alcohol use among Australian secondary schoolchildren. Medical Journal of Australia, 1987; 146(3):125–30. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3494905
10. Hill D, White V, Pain M, and Gardner G. Tobacco and alcohol use among Australian secondary school students in 1987. Medical Journal of Australia, 1990; 152(3):124–30. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2300011
11. Hill D, White V, Williams R, and Gardner G. Tobacco and alcohol use among Australian secondary school students in 1990. Medical Journal of Australia, 1993; 158(4):228–34. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8426543
12. Hill D, White V, and Segan C. Prevalence of cigarette smoking among Australian secondary school students in 1993. Australian Journal of Public Health, 1995; 19(5):445–9. Available from: http://lib.bioinfo.pl /pmid:8713191
13. Hill D, White V, and Letcher T. Tobacco use among Australian secondary students in 1996. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 1999; 23(3):252–9. Available from: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/120141556/abstract
14. Hill D, White V, and Effendi Y. Changes in the use of tobacco among Australian secondary students: results of the 1999 prevalence study and comparisons with earlier years. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 2002; 26(2):156–63. Available from: http://www.phaa.net.au/anzjph/journalpdf_2002 /april_2002/p.%20156-63.pdf
15. White V and Hayman J. Smoking behaviours of Australian secondary school students in 2002. National Drug Strategy monograph series no. 54, Canberra: Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, 2004. Available from: http://www.nationaldrugstrategy.gov.au/internet/drugstrategy/publishing.nsf /content/mono54 .
16. White V and Hayman J. Smoking behaviours of Australian secondary students in 2005. National Drug Strategy monograph series no. 59, Canberra: Drug Strategy Branch, Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, 2006. Available from: http://www.nationaldrugstrategy.gov.au/internet/drugstrategy /publishing.nsf/Content/mono59 .
17. White V and Smith G. 3. Tobacco use among Australian secondary students (PDF 87 KB) in Australian secondary school students’ use of tobacco, alcohol, and over-the-counter and illicit substances in 2008. Canberra: Drug Strategy Branch Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing; 2009. Available from: http://www.nationaldrugstrategy.gov.au/internet/drugstrategy/Publishing.nsf/content/school08
18. Hill D and Hassard K. Overview, in Australia’s National Tobacco Campaign. Evaluation Report Volume One. Hassard K, Editor Canberra: Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care; 1999. Available from: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/Publishing.nsf/Content/health-pubhlth-publicat-document- metadata-tobccamp.htm .
19. Tan N, Montague M, and Freeman J. Impact of the National Tobacco Campaign: comparison between teenage and adult surveys, in Australia's National Tobacco Campaign: evaluation report Vol. 2. Hassard K, Editor Canberra: Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care; 2000. p 78−103 Available from: http://www.quitnow.info.au/internet/quitnow/publishing.nsf/Content/evaluation-reports .
20. White V, Warne C, Spittal M, Durkin S, Purcell K, et al. What impact have tobacco control policies, cigarette price and tobacco control program funding had on Australian adolescents' smoking? Findings over a 15-year period. Addiction, 2011; 106(8):1493−502. Available from: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111 /j.1360-0443.2011.03429.x/pdf
21. Intergovernmental Committee on Drugs, National Tobacco Strategy 2012-2018. Commonwealth of Australia; 2012. Available from: http://www.nationaldrugstrategy.gov.au/internet/drugstrategy/publishing.nsf /Content/national_ts_2012_2018 .
22. Tobacco Plain Packaging Act. No. 148 2011; Available from: http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details /C2013C00190 .
23. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 4221.0 National Schools Statistics Collection, Australia. Period covered: 1984−1988.Canberra: ABS, 1984.
24. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 4221.0 Schools, Australia 2005. Canberra: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2006. Available from: http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected]/allprimarymainfeatures /FFBE2CE6D8296D21CA2576EA0011F617?opendocument .
25. Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, and Training and Youth Affairs. The Adelaide Declaration on National Goals for Schooling in the Twenty-first Century - Preamble and Goals. Tenth Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs (Adelaide, 22-23 April). Canberra: Department of Education, Science and Training, 1999. Available from: http://www.dest.gov.au/sectors /school_education/policy_initiatives_reviews/national_goals_for_schooling_in_the_twenty_first_century.htm .
26. Tyas S and Pederson L. Psychosocial factors related to adolescent smoking : a critical review of the literature. Tobacco Control, 1999; 7(4):409–20. Available from: http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/cgi/content /full/7/4/409
Copyright © 2016 The Cancer Council. All rights reserved. Chapter 1: Prevalence » 1.7 Trends in the prevalence of smoking by socio-economic status
1.7 Trends in the prevalence of smoking by socio- economic status
Last updated: November 2015 Suggested citation: Greenhalgh, EM, Bayly, M, & Winstanley, MH. 1.7 Trends in the prevalence of smoking by socio-economic status. In Scollo, MM and Winstanley, MH [editors]. Tobacco in Australia: Facts and issues. Melbourne: Cancer Council Victoria; 2015. Available from http://www.tobaccoinaustralia.org.au/chapter-1-prevalence/1-7-trends-in-the-prevalence-of-smoking- by-socioec
In Australia1-3 and many other countries,4 smoking behaviour is inversely related to socio-economic status, with disadvantaged groups in the population being more likely to take up and continue smoking. The authors of a seminal British report on poverty and smoking observed that one can ‘almost study social disadvantage itself through variations in smoking prevalence’ (p78).5
Table 1.7.1 sets out data from the National Drug Strategy Household Survey on smoking status by various socio-economic characteristics for Australians 14 years and over in 2013.
Table 1.7.1 Tobacco smoking status, people aged 14 years and older, by SES characteristics, 2013 (per cent) Never smoked* Ex-smokers† Smokers‡ All persons, 14+ 60 24 16 Education With post-school qualification 58 26 15 Without post-school qualification 63 21 17 Labour force status Currently employed 57 26 17 Student 89 3 7 Unemployed 61 13 27 Home duties 57 26 16 Retired or on a pension 54 35 11 Volunteer/charity work 67 25 9 Unable to work 41 25 35 Other 55 21 24 Index of social disadvantage of place of residence Ist quintile (lowest) 56 21 23 2nd 58 24 18 3rd 59 24 17 4th 62 25 13 5th (highest) 65 25 10 Geography Major cities 63 23 14 Inner regional 57 25 18 Outer regional 50 27 23 Remote/very remote 49 27 25 Marital status Never married 74 7 19 Married/de facto 50 29 21 Divorced/separated/widowed 56 30 14 Composition of household among households with dependent children Single with dependent children 41 26 33 Couple with dependent children 58 28 14 * Never smoked 100 cigarettes (manufactured and/or roll-your-own) or the equivalent amount of tobacco † Smoked 100 cigarettes (manufactured and/or roll-your-own) or the equivalent amount of tobacco and reports no longer smoking ‡ Smoked daily, weekly or less than weekly # From Index of social disadvantage of place of residence Source: National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2013,6 Table S3.12
Figure 1.7.1 plots the prevalence of current smoking in the same year. Figure 1.7.1 Prevalence of current smoking*, people aged 14 years and older, by SES characteristics, 2013 (per cent) * Smoked daily, weekly or less than weekly † Among households with dependent children Source: National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2013,6 Table S3.12
A number of socio-demographic variables are closely connected with the likelihood of smoking. Siahpush and Borland7 examined the correlation of smoking behaviour with several factors, including education, family income and Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage (IRSD).i This research found that all three measures of socio-economic status—education, income and IRSD—were independently and significantly related to the likelihood of smoking for both sexes. Of these three measures, IRSD was most strongly related to smoking status. Individuals falling within the highest IRSD category of disadvantage were about twice as likely to smoke as individuals in the lowest IRSD category, irrespective of individual levels of education and income. This finding suggests that the influence of neighbourhood is an important contributing factor to whether an individual smokes or not. Siahpush and Borland describe this as a ‘contextual effect’, occurring because smoking is normative behaviour in a particular environment, or because there are other physical, cultural, social or economic factors in those areas that encourage or lead to smoking.7
The relationship between smoking and social disadvantage is discussed in greater detail in Chapter 9. Differences in smoking prevalence among socio-economic groups result in different patterns of tobacco- caused ill health and disease. For discussion, see Chapter 3, Section 3.31.
1.7.1 Trends over time in smoking and educational level
Increasing education levels are associated with decreased likelihood of smoking. Between 1998 and 2013, those with a tertiary (university) level education had significantly lower levels of smoking than other members of the community (controlling for sex and age). Over this period, there was a significant linear decline in regular smoking within each education group other than those who had completed up to year 9 or less, where only a trend toward a decline was observed. For the most recent period of 2010 to 2013, smoking prevalence declined significantly only among those with a year 12 qualification or higher. Figure 1.7.2 shows these trends across time.
Figure 1.7.2 Prevalence of regular* smokers† in Australia aged 18+, 1998 to 2013‡—by educational achievement Note that in 1998 level secondary school education attainment was asked in a different format to 2001 onwards. * Smoked daily or weekly †Includes persons smoking any combination of cigarettes, pipes or cigars ‡ All data weighted to the Australian population appropriate for each survey year and may vary slightly from data presented in previous edition Source: Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, analysis of data from the National Drug Strategy Household Survey since 1998
Table 1.7.2 shows these trends over time for men and women. Although men consistently smoke at higher proportions than women, these differences are more pronounced and always significant in those with lower education levels (controlling for age). Among those who are university educated, differences in prevalence between men and women are much smaller, and often non-significant.
Table 1.7.2 Prevalence of regular* smokers† among Australian adults (18+ years) by educational level and sex—1998 to 2013‡ 1998 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013
Males Year 11 or less 35 31 28 29 26 27 Year 12 or Certificate I-IV 32 26 25 24 22 19 University (Partial or completed) 16 16 12 11 11 10 Females Year 11 or less 27 24 22 21 20 17 Year 12 or Certificate I-IV 27 22 20 19 18 16 University (Partial or completed) 17 14 12 11 10 7 Persons Year 11 or less 30 27 24 24 22 21 Year 12 or Certificate I-IV 30 24 23 22 20 17 University (Partial or completed) 17 15 12 11 10 9 Note: Certificates III-IV have replaced the previous system of trade certificates * Smoked daily or weekly † Includes persons smoking any combination of cigarettes, pipes or cigars ‡ All data weighted to the Australian population appropriate for each survey year and may vary slightly from data presented in previous edition Source: Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, analysis of data from the National Drug Strategy Household Surveys
A person’s age also plays an important role in the relationship between smoking prevalence and education level. As the proportion of Australians completing high school to the end of Year 12 and those attaining post-school qualifications have increased over time,8–14 it is likely that higher educational achievement rates have contributed to the overall decline in smoking among the Australian population. As shown in table 1.7.3, smoking prevalence has significantly declined over time within each age and education group (controlling for gender), with the exception of those aged 40–59 years who completed year eleven or lower.
However, important differences in smoking prevalence by education group exist across age groups. Within the oldest age group (60+), there are no differences between those who did or did not finish high school (except for 1998)—smoking levels are only significantly lower among those who attended university. Finishing year 12 becomes increasingly important for adults under 60 years in terms of smoking prevalence, which is likely because younger adults who have not attained year 12 reflect a far more disadvantaged group15 than the oldest age group, who completed their education when leaving school early was much more common.16 Within both younger age groups, those who did not complete year 12 were significantly more likely to be regular smokers (although this same pattern was not significant for those aged 40–59 years in 1998). For example, in 2013, those aged 18–39 who had not finished high school were about three times more likely to smoke than those who had attained year 12 or equivalent, and about seven times more likely to smoke than those with a university-level education (adjusting for gender).
Table 1.7.3 Prevalence of regular* smoking† among Australian adults (18+ years) by educational level and age group—1998 to 2013‡ 1998 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013
18–39 years Year 11 or less 49 43 41 40 36 41 Year 12 or Certificate I-IV 34 30 28 25 23 19 University (Partial or completed) 19 18 15 13 10 9 40–59 years Year 11 or less 30 28 27 27 29 27 Year 12 or Certificate I-IV 29 23 23 24 22 20 University (Partial or completed) 15 14 14 12 11 9 60+ uears Year 11 or less 12 12 10 23 10 10 Year 12 or Certificate I-IV 20 11 10 22 11 11 University (Partial or completed) 11 8 6 6 7 6 Note: Certificates III-IV have replaced the previous system of trade certificates * Smoked daily or weekly † Includes persons smoking any combination of cigarettes, pipes or cigars ‡ All data weighted to the Australian population appropriate for each survey year and may vary slightly from data presented in previous edition Source: Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, analysis of data from the National Drug Strategy Household Surveys
1.7.2 Trends over time in smoking and occupation
A person’s employment status is strongly related to their overall health. In general, people who are unemployed experience poorer health and have higher mortality rates than those who are employed.17 As shown in figure 1.7.3, smoking has significantly declined between 1998 and 2013 within all employment status groups. Unemployed individuals had significantly higher levels of regular smoking in each of the survey years than people who were employed, students, retired, or solely engaged in home duties (controlling for sex and age). For the most recent period of 2010 to 2013, smoking prevalence declined significantly among those who were currently employed, engaged in home duties, or students (with no significant changes among unemployed or retired people). Figure 1.7.3 Prevalence of regular* smokers† in Australia aged 18+, 1998 to 2013‡—by employment status * Smoked daily or weekly † Includes persons smoking any combination of cigarettes, pipes or cigars ‡ All data weighted to the Australian population appropriate for each survey year and may vary slightly from data presented in previous edition Source: Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, analysis of data from the National Drug Strategy Household Surveys
Smoking behaviour among those who are employed is also stratified by occupational level, with a decreased likelihood of smoking associated with white-collar occupation. Table 1.7.3 shows trends in smoking prevalence by occupation level between 1998 and 2013. Due to the change in occupation classifications in the 2010 survey onward, trends should be interpreted with some caution. Reflecting prior years, in 2013 smoking prevalence among upper white collar workers was significantly lower than for any other occupational group. In 2013, only 10% of individuals in upper white collar employment were smokers, compared with 26% of those working in lower blue collar employment, 22% of upper blue collar workers, and 15% of lower white collar workers. While men tend to have higher smoking prevalence than women within each occupation level, between 1998 and 2013 the magnitude of these differences has varied and has typically been non-significant. In 2013, men were significantly more likely to be smokers than women only within the upper white collar group.
Table 1.7.4 Prevalence of regular* smoking† by occupational level and sex among employed Australian adults (aged 18+ years)—1998 to 2013‡ 1998 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 Upper white collar Male 19 16 14 13 13 11 Female 15 15 11 11 11 8 Persons 17 16 13 12 12 10 Lower white collar Male 24 24 19 20 19 16 Female 30 23 23 20 18 14 Persons 28 24 21 20 18 15 Upper blue collar Male 37 30 27 26 23 22 Female 31 27 25 23 19 19 Persons 36 29 26 25 22 22 Lower blue collar Male 44 35 33 31 26 26 Female 30 35 29 29 27 26 Persons 40 35 32 31 26 26 Upper white collar: includes professionals, business owners, executives, farm owners, semi-professionals Lower white collar: includes sales, other white collar Upper blue collar: includes skilled workers Lower blue collar: includes semi-skilled, unskilled, farm workers. Note: classifications changed in 2010 such that some occupations that would have been classed as Upper Blue in 2007 may be classified as Lower Blue in 2010. Tradepersons are classified as Upper Blue in 2010 but would have been classified as Lower White in previous years. For more information see the ABS website18 * Smoked daily or weekly † Includes persons smoking any combination of cigarettes, pipes or cigars ‡ All data weighted to the Australian population appropriate for each survey year and may vary slightly from data presented in previous edition Source: Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, analysis of data from the National Drug Strategy Household Surveys
Figure 1.7.4 also shows these trends from 1998 to 2013. Over this time period, regular smoking declined linearly among all occupation levels (controlling for age and sex). However, between 2010 and 2013, smoking only significantly declined among white collar workers; prevalence of smoking among blue collar workers remained the same. The lower prevalence of smoking among white collar workers may be a result of fewer individuals in these groups having taken up smoking in the first place, rather than being more successful at quitting smoking.19 Figure 1.7.4 Prevalence of regular* smokers† in Australia aged 18+, 1998 to 2013‡—by occupation level * Smoked daily or weekly † Includes persons smoking any combination of cigarettes, pipes or cigars ‡ All data weighted to the Australian population appropriate for each survey year and may vary slightly from data presented in previous edition Source: Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, analysis of data from the National Drug Strategy Household Surveys i IRSD is an area-specific socio-economic measure applied by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, which takes into account a number of variables including income, education, occupation, housing, household composition and English fluency of residents. See Siahpush and Borland7
References
1. White V, Hill D, Siahpush M, and Bobevski I. How has the prevalence of cigarette smoking changed among Australian adults? Trends in smoking prevalence between 1980 and 2001. Tobacco Control, 2003; 12(suppl. 2):ii67−ii74. Available from: http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/12/suppl_2/ii6
2. Siahpush M. Smoking and social inequality. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 2004; 28(3):297. Available from: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/118803503/abstract
3. Siahpush M and Borland R. Trends in sociodemographic variations in smoking prevalence, 1997−2000, in Australia's National Tobacco Campaign: evaluation report Vol. 3. Canberra: Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care; 2002. Available from: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/Publishing.nsf/Content /88ED1349FD03EB05CA257331000C3A17/$File/tobccamp3.pdf>
4. Lopez A, Collishaw N, and Piha T. A descriptive model of the cigarette epidemic in developed countries. Tobacco Control, 1994; 3:242−7. Available from: http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/cgi/reprint/3/3/242.pdf 5. Marsh A and McKay S, Poor smokers. London: Policy Studies Institute; 1994.
6. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. National Drug Strategy Household Survey detailed report: 2013. Cat. no. PHE 183 Canberra: AIHW, 2014. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail /?id=60129549469&tab=3
7. Siahpush M and Borland R. Sociodemographic variations in smoking status among Australians aged 18 years and over: multivariate results from the 1995 National Health Survey. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 2001; 25(2):438–42. Available from: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal /118996678/abstract
8. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 4202.0 National Schools Statistics Collection, Australia. Period covered: 1969−1978.Canberra: ABS, 1978. Available from: http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected] /allprimarymainfeatures/37464C7FA3BC2E17CA257441007F7034?opendocument
9. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 4202.0 National Schools Statistics Collection, Australia. Period covered: 1979−1981.Canberra: ABS, 1981. Available from: http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected] /allprimarymainfeatures/76280E68A062FA73CA257441007F9482?opendocument
10. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 4202.0 National Schools Statistics Collection, Australia. Period covered: 1981−1984.Canberra: ABS, 1984. Available from: http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected] /allprimarymainfeatures/37464C7FA3BC2E17CA257441007F7034?opendocument
11. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 4221.0 National Schools Statistics Collection, Australia. Period covered: 1984−1988.Canberra: ABS, 1988. Available from: http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected] /allprimarymainfeatures/55E852F4156D8588CA257441001B384E?opendocument
12. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 4221.0 Schools Australia 1996. Canberra: ABS, 1997. Available from: http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected]/second+level+view?ReadForm&prodno=4221.0& viewtitle=Schools,%20Australia~2006~Latest~26/02/2007&&tabname=Past%20Future%20Issues& prodno=4221.0&issue=2006&num=&view=&
13. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 4221.0 Schools, Australia 2005 Canberra: ABS, 2006. Available from: http://abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected]/allprimarymainfeatures /E89FF6F9D793BC6DCA25728B000CEF8D?opendocument
14. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 4221.0 Schools, Australia 2010. Canberra: ABS, 2011. Available from: http://abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected]/allprimarymainfeatures /87E83B6B2BB80BE6CA257825000E0136?opendocument
15. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 4250.0.55.001 - Perspectives on Education and Training: Social Inclusion, 2009 2011. Available from: http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/Lookup /4250.0.55.001Main+Features32009
16. Kelley J and Evans MDR. Trends in educational attainment in Australia. Worldwide Attitudes, 1996. Available from: http://www.international-survey.org/wwa_pub/articles/hst-ed5.htm
17. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australia’s health 2014. Australia’s health series no. 14. Cat. no. AUS 178. Canberra: AIHW; 2014. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail /?id=60129547205
18. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 1220.0 - ANZSCO - Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations, First Edition, Revision 1. 2009. Available from: http://www.abs.gov.au /AUSSTATS/[email protected]/0/E359D0E422D45783CA2575DF002DA6D1?opendocument
19. Hill DJ, White VM, and Scollo MM. Smoking behaviours of Australian adults in 1995: trends and concerns. Medical Journal of Australia, 1998; 168(5):209–13. Available from: http://www.mja.com.au/public /issues/mar2/hill/hill.html Copyright © 2016 The Cancer Council. All rights reserved. Chapter 1: Prevalence » 1.8 Trends in prevalence of smoking by country of birth
1.8 Trends in prevalence of smoking by country of birth
Last updated: November 2015 Suggested citation: Greenhalgh, EM, Bayly, M, & Winstanley, MH. 1.8 Trends in prevalence of smoking by country of birth. In Scollo, MM and Winstanley, MH [editors]. Tobacco in Australia: Facts and issues. Melbourne: Cancer Council Victoria; 2015. Available from http://www.tobaccoinaustralia.org.au/chapter- 1-prevalence/1-8-trends-in-prevalence-of-smoking-by-country-of-
In 2013, over one quarter (28%) of Australian residents were born overseas,1 and in 2011 19% of Australians spoke a language other than English at home.2
There is considerable variation in prevalence of smoking among individuals born in different countries who have migrated to Australia. Table 1.8.1 indicates that in 2013, migrants from ‘New Zealand and Oceania’ (comprising New Zealand, Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia, but excluding Hawaii3), had the highest prevalence of regular smoking.. It should be noted that in some of the regions listed, smoking is predominantly a male behaviour (see section 1.13), but since the data in Table 1.8.1 are not broken down by gender, any sex differential in smoking is not apparent. Likewise, possible age differentials in smoking prevalence are not explored.
In each of the survey years from 2004 onwards, people who were born outside Australia were significantly less likely to be regular smokers than those born in Australia (controlling for age and sex). In 2001, there was no significant difference between groups. In all years, the prevalence of smoking was significantly higher in households in which the main language spoken at home was English, compared with those who mainly spoke a language other than English at home, again controlling for age and sex. As well as concealing gender differences, the regional summaries provided in Table 1.1.1 are likely to disguise higher smoking rates within some smaller population sub-groups. For example, studies have shown that in the Arabic- speaking population in Sydney, more than 50% of both males and females smoke,4 that among the Sydney-based Lebanese community, about 49% of males and 29% of females are smokers,5,6 and that male members of the Vietnamese community in Sydney have smoking rates of 53%.5
Although adult prevalence of smoking is higher in some groups with a non-English speaking background, studies from New South Wales have consistently shown that children within these families have a lower prevalence of smoking than their counterparts from English-speaking homes.7–9 See Chapter 5 for further discussion.
For more information on smoking among people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds see Chapter 9. Cessation programs designed to suit the needs of these groups are discussed in Chapter 7.
Table 1.8.1 moking among persons aged 18 years and over, by country of birth and main language spoken at home, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010, and 2013
Percentage of regular* smokers† (rounded) 2001 2004 2007 2010‡ 2013 Country of birth Australia 23 20 20 18 16
Outside Australia 22 18 15 13 15 New Zealand & Oceania 27 24 23 21 UK 21 19 15 15 Europe 26 19 17 16 Southeast Asia 14 11 12 8 Other Asia 13 9 8 8 Americas 19 19 12 9 North Africa and the Middle East 29 20 19 14 Sub-Saharan Africa 7 Other 21 21 11 15 Main language spoken at home English 22 20 19 18 15 Language other than English 20 14 12 11 13
* Includes those reporting that they smoke ‘daily’ or ‘at least weekly’. † Includes persons smoking any combination of cigarettes, pipes or cigars. ‡ Note: Further data on country of birth not supplied in 2010. ^ Sub-Saharan Africa not included as a category pre-2013. Note: All data weighted to the Australian population appropriate for each survey year and may vary slightly from data presented in previous edition. Source: National Drug Strategy Household Survey for 2001,10 2004,11 2007,12 201013and 201014
References
1. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 2006 Census QuickStats. Canberra: ABS 2007. Available from: http://www.censusdata.abs.gov.au/ABSNavigation/prenav/ViewData?subaction=- 1&producttype=QuickStats&areacode=0&action=401&collection=Census&textversion=false& breadcrumb=PL&period=2006&javascript=true&navmapdisplayed=true&
1. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 3412.0 - Migration, Australia, 2011-12 and 2012-13. 2013. Available from: http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/Lookup/3412.0Chapter12011-12%20and%202012-13
2. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 2071.0 - Reflecting a Nation: Stories from the 2011 Census, 2012–2013. 2011. Available from: http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/Lookup/2071.0main+features902012-2013
3. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Statistical Concepts Library. Standard Australian Classification of Countries (SACC) 1998. Chapter 2. Main classification structure. Major groups and minor groups. Catalogue 1269.0. . Canberra: AGPS, 1998. Available from: http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected] /DetailsPage/1269.01998?OpenDocument .
4. Jukic A, Pino N, and Flaherty B, Alcohol and other drug use, attitudes and knowledge amongst Arabic- speakers in Sydney. Sydney: Drug and Alcohol Multicultural Education Centre (DAMEC); 1996.
5. Rissel C and Russel C. Heart disease risk factors in the Vietnamese community of South Western Sydney. Australian Journal of Public Health, 1993; 17(1):71–3. Available from: http://grande.nal.usda.gov /ibids/index.php?mode2=detail&origin=ibids_references&therow=80558
6. Rissel C, Ward J, and Jorm L. Estimates of smoking and related behaviour in an immigrant Lebanese community: does survey method matter? Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 1999; 23(5):534–7. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10575779
7. Tang L, Rissel C, Bauman A, Fay K, Porter S, et al. A longitudinal study of smoking in year 7 and 8 students speaking English or a language other than English at home in Sydney, Australia. Tobacco Control, 1998; 7(1):35–40. Available from: http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/7/1/35
8. Rissel C, McLellan L, and Bauman A. Factors associated with delayed tobacco uptake among Vietnamese/Asian and Arabic youth in Sydney, NSW. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 2000; 24(1):22–8. Available from: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/119012648/abstract
9. Chen J, Bauman A, Rissel C, Tang K, Forero R, et al. Substance use in high school students in New South Wales, Australia, in relation to language spoken at home. Journal of Adolescent Health, 2000; 26(1):53–63. Available from: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T80-3Y6Y71F- B&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1& _urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=c3971d2150d42cc563ce0326561fd4ad
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11. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2004 National Drug Strategy Household Survey: detailed findings. Drug strategy series no.16, AIHW cat. no. PHE 66.Canberra: AIHW, 2005. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/phe/ndshsdf04/ndshsdf04.pdf
12. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2007 National Drug Strategy Household Survey: detailed findings. Drug statistics series no. 22, AIHW cat. no. PHE 107.Canberra: AIHW, 2008. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/10674
13. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2010 National Drug Strategy Household Survey: survey report. Drug statistics series no. 25, AIHW cat. no. PHE 145.Canberra: AIHW, 2011. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=32212254712&libID=32212254712&tab=2
14. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. National Drug Strategy Household Survey, 2013 [computer file], 2015, Australian Data Archive, The Australian National University: Canberra.
Copyright © 2016 The Cancer Council. All rights reserved. Chapter 1: Prevalence » 1.9 Prevalence of tobacco use among Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders
1.9 Prevalence of tobacco use among Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders
Last updated: November 2015 Suggested citation: Greenhalgh, EM, Bayly, M, & Winstanley, MH. 1.9 Prevalence of tobacco use among Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders. In Scollo, MM and Winstanley, MH [editors]. Tobacco in Australia: Facts and issues. Melbourne: Cancer Council Victoria; 2015. Available from http://www.tobaccoinaustralia.org.au/chapter-1-prevalence/1-9-prevalence-of-tobacco-use-among- aboriginal-peo
Note: A brief summary of current prevalence data for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples is presented in this section. For extended discussion refer to Chapter 8 Tobacco use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make up 3.0% of the Australian population.1 Tobacco use is widespread among the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations.1 Forty two per cent of the combined Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population are current daily smokers, which is more than double the prevalence among the Australian population as a whole.2,3 Smoking rates remained stable for many years with virtually identical figures being reported in national surveys from 1994 (52%)4 and 2002 (51%).5 i However, the past decade has seen progressive decreases in daily smoking rates, from 49% in 2002, to 45% in 2008, to 42% in 2012–13.2 The proportion of children aged 0–14 years who lived in a household where members usually smoked inside the house decreased from 29% in 2004–2005,6 to 21% in 2008,7 to 16% in 2012–13.1
The substantially higher prevalence of smoking in Australia’s Indigenous population may be attributable to a complex range of interrelated factors. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are by far the most socio- economically disadvantaged sub-group in the Australian population,8 which in itself is a predictor of increased smoking behaviour (see Section 1.7). Additionally, smoking patterns are also likely to reflect cultural aspects particular to this sub-population, including the traditional customs of sharing and kinship bonding.9–11
i The National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) for 2004, as in previous years, reports on a small Indigenous sample. The prevalence of smoking reported in the 1995, 1998 and 2001 surveys was similar to that of the other national surveys discussed above. However, the survey for 2004 returned a much lower population prevalence figure of 39%, down from 49% in 2001. The 2007 NDSHS estimated Indigenous prevalence figure at 34%, down from 39% in 2004. Given the consistently higher prevalence data published by other larger national surveys, it is likely that the NDSHS figure is an outlier. This is probably due to differences in sampling. It is known that there is considerable variation in smoking rates between various Indigenous communities, which, if not sampled in a comparable manner between surveys, could be expected to skew results. Refer to Chapter 8 for related discussion.
References
1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, The health and welfare of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 2015. Cat. no. IHW 147 Canberra: AIHW; 2015. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129550168
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4. McLennan W. 4305.0 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Survey 1994 (NATSIS): Health of Indigenous Australians. Canberra: ABS, 1996. Available from: http://www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/ausstats /free.nsf/0/2EC91919851461CACA257225000495EF/$File/43950_1994.pdf
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9. Lindorff KJ. Tobacco time for action: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tobacco Control Project final report. Canberra, Australia: National Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, 2002. Available from: http://www.naccho.org.au/Files/Documents/NACCHO_Tobacco_report.pdf
10. Ivers R. Indigenous Tobacco--a literature review. Darwin: Menzies School of Health Research and the Co-operative Research Centre for Aboriginal and Tropical Health, 2001. Available from: http://www.smokefreezone.org/site_files/s1001/downloads/IndigenousTobaccolitreview.pdf
11. Murphy M and Mee V. Chapter 6: The impact of the National Tobacco Campaign on Indigenous communities: a study in Victoria, in Australia's National Tobacco Campaign: evaluation report vol.1. Hassard K, Editor Canberra: Department of Health and Aged Care; 1999. Available from: http://www.health.gov.au /internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/health-pubhlth-publicat-document-metadata-tobccamp.htm/$FILE /tobccamp_g.pdf
Copyright © 2016 The Cancer Council. All rights reserved. Chapter 1: Prevalence » 1.10 Prevalence of smoking in other high-risk sub-groups of the population
1.10 Prevalence of smoking in other high-risk sub-groups of the population
Last updated: November 2015 Suggested citation: Greenhalgh, EM, Bayly, M, & Winstanley, MH. 1.10 Prevalence of smoking in other high-risk sub-groups of the population. In Scollo, MM and Winstanley, MH [editors]. Tobacco in Australia: Facts and issues. Melbourne: Cancer Council Victoria; 2015. Available from http://www.tobaccoinaustralia.org.au/chapter-1-prevalence/1-10-prevalence-of-smoking-in-other- high-risk-sub-
Discussion of general trends in smoking prevalence in Australia overlooks population sub-groups which may have much higher smoking rates, or for whom smoking causes special problems. Individuals with lower socio-economic status or lower educational attainment are more likely to smoke, as discussed in Section 1.7. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, discussed in the preceding section and in detail in Chapter 8, also show substantially higher smoking rates than the rest of the population, as do members of some other culturally and linguistically diverse communities (see Section 1.8). The following is a brief discussion about other population groups among whom smoking prevalence is either higher than overall Australian prevalence, or for whom smoking poses greater than usual health risks.
1.10.1 Smoking in pregnancy
Smoking patterns in pregnancy are of particular importance since tobacco use harms the unborn child as well as the pregnant woman.1
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s National Perinatal Data Unit (NPDU) reports data on births in Australia. It collects information concerning both the mother (including demographic profile and matters relating to the pregnancy and birth) and the baby (such as sex, birth-weight and other health indicators).2–4
The NPDU reports that in 2012 13% of women smoked during pregnancy4 down from 16.6% in 20075 and 17.4% in 2005.2
There are significant variations in the prevalence of smoking during pregnancy in certain sub-populations, presumably reflecting smoking behaviour in these groups within the wider population. For example, women who were most disadvantaged were about five times more likely to smoke in the first 20 weeks of their pregnancy than women who were least disadvantaged (20% compared to 4%). Those living in very remote areas were also about four times more likely to smoke than women in major cities (35% compared to 9%).6 Women with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander backgrounds were more than four times more likely to smoke during pregnancy than non-Indigenous women (48% compared with 13%). The likelihood of smoking during pregnancy decreased with maternal age. Thirty-five per cent of girls who became pregnant while still teenagers smoked during pregnancy.4
Other research has shown that women without a partner, the less educated,7 those with lower socio- economic status7,8 and women with a psychiatric disorder9 are more likely to smoke during pregnancy. The health consequences of smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke during pregnancy are discussed in Chapter 3 and Chapter 4 respectively. For information on issues related to quitting smoking during pregnancy, refer to Chapter 7.
1.10.2 Smoking and mental illness
Mental health problems are common within the Australian population, with 1 in 10 Australians (children and adults) reporting a long-term mental or behavioural problem.10,11 Mental health problems include both mild and occasional problems as well as more debilitating conditions, such as major depression and very serious psychotic illnesses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, characterised by fundamental distortions of thinking, perception and emotional response.12 Individuals with mental health conditions have a higher prevalence of smoking and those who smoke tend to smoke more heavily than the general population.13,14 Australian research has reported smoking rates of up to 35% among patients suffering from common mental disorders15,16 (defined as affective, anxiety or substance use disorders). The 2013 National Drug Strategy Household Survey reported that daily smokers were twice as likely to have high or very high levels of psychological distress and to have been diagnosed or treated for a mental health condition as those who had never smoked.17
Higher rates are observed in those with severe mental illness than in those with mental health problems and the highest rates are observed among those with a diagnosis of psychosis.14 It has been argued that citation bias exists in the reporting of smoking among people with schizophrenia, with studies that report high prevalence cited more often than studies reporting low prevalence.18 An international meta-analysis of studies on smoking among people with schizophrenia reported pooled prevalence of 60%. An Australian study found rates of 73% in men and 56% in women with psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia.19 Among mentally ill in-patients with co-existing alcohol and other drug problems, smoking rates as high as 90% have been observed.16 People with mental health illnesses who live in institutions have higher rates of smoking than those living in the community.
These excessive smoking rates contribute to higher levels of tobacco-caused morbidity and mortality among people with mental illness.20
Smokers living with mental illness are severely disadvantaged both by their illness and by expenditure of limited resources on tobacco products—see Chapter 9 for further discussion. Smokers who suffer from severe mental health illnesses, and those living in institutions, were identified in the National Preventative Health Strategy21 as requiring specialised strategies to assist in cessation. For further discussion on cessation in this target group, see Chapter 7.
1.10.3 Lone parents
In Australia between 2004 and 2006, 22% of all family groups were led by a lone parent, and on average, one in five children younger than 15 were cared for in a family with one parent.22 Eighty-seven per cent of lone parents bringing up children aged under 15 are women.22
In 2013, 33% of people aged 14+ years from single-parent households with dependent children were current smokers, compared to 14% among households with two parents and dependent children24—see Section 1.7 Australian research has found that the overall prevalence of smoking among lone mothers is about 46%, with those younger in age (18‒29 years) reporting the highest prevalence (59%).24
Lone parenthood is associated with social and economic disadvantage,25 and is discussed further in Chapter 9.
1.10.4 The homeless Homelessness is defined as lacking adequate access to safe and secure housing. The 2011 Australian National Census showed that there were about 105,000 homeless people in Australia at that time.26
Individuals experiencing homelessness have a poorer health status than the general population, with those who are 'street homeless' (those usually dwelling on streets or in parks, in derelict buildings or other temporary shelters) being the worst affected.27 Melbourne-based research has shown a greatly elevated prevalence of smoking among homeless people (77%), with those who are street homeless reporting higher rates of 93%.27 For further discussion refer to Chapter 9.
1.10.5 The prison population
Traditionally, the prevalence of smoking in the prison population has been far higher than among the general population,28, 29 with tobacco use commonly accepted as part of prison life.30 Tobacco was often used as currency in gambling or other trade.30
Research undertaken in 2001 examining smoking in New South Wales prisons found that 78% of male and 83% of female inmates were smokers.30 Most (95%) inmates smoked roll-your-own cigarettes, a far higher proportion than that seen in the rest of the population; this is most likely due to their lower cost than factory-made cigarettes, but may also be an indicator of a greater degree of addiction.30 Forty-one per cent of prisoners who smoked reported that they smoked more heavily in prison than when in the community. Illicit drug use was closely connected to tobacco use, with about 90% of individuals who had ever injected drugs, or used cannabis, being smokers as well.29 Eighty-six per cent of inmates aged under 25 years were smokers, compared to 64% of prisoners aged over 40 years. Prisoners who smoked were less likely to have completed their schooling. A small number of smokers had started smoking in prison (7%).30
The elevated smoking rates in the prison population have reflected, to a large extent, the increased likelihood of disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds in inmates. Indigenous people, drug users and the less educated are over-represented in the prison system, as are those suffering mental illness.29, 30 As noted elsewhere in this chapter, each of these factors predicts higher smoking rates.
In 2011, the National Preventative Health Strategy21 identified the prison population as a priority area for future interventions (see Chapter 7 and Chapter 9). As of 2015, all Australian states and territories have introduced or announced intentions to introduce complete smoking bans in prisons, except Western Australia.
1.10.6 Other drug use
Tobacco use commonly co-exists with other drug use. Data from the National Drug Strategy Household Survey of 2013 describes the prevalence of drug use among adult smokers and non-smokers in 2013—see Table 1.10.2. Controlling for age and sex, current smokers were about six and a half times more likely to have used marijuana in the past 12 months than non-smokers, and almost five times more likely to have used any illicit drug (including marijuana) in the year prior to the survey. In 2005, 4–5 out of 10 secondary school students who reported having used marijuana, amphetamines, hallucinogens or ecstasy, said that they had used tobacco concurrently.31
Most individuals with substance use disorders smoke tobacco as well.30
International13 and Australian13,16,32 research shows that in this population, smoking rates range from 68%13 to 90%.16 A 2015 international systematic review found that smoking rates among people in addiction treatment are more than double those of people with similar demographic characteristics.33 The relationship between tobacco and other drug use is complex, and may be subject to genetic and neurobiological determinants, as well as psychological and social influences.34,35 Cessation interventions tailored to the needs of poly-drug users are discussed in Chapter 7, Section 7.19.7. Table 1.10.1 Recent use of other drugs among current smokers‡ and non-smokers*‡: by sex for Australians aged 18+ years, 2013 Males Females Persons Other substances Smokers Non-smokers Smokers Non-smokers Smokers Non-smokers recently* used Alcohol 91 82 86 76 89 79 Marijuana 34 8 26 5 31 6 Any illicit drug 42 13 33 9 38 11 Any illicit drug 24 7 19 6 22 6 excluding marijuana * ‘Recent’ is defined as having been used in the past 12 months ‡ Smoked daily, weekly or less than weekly * Never smoked 100 cigarettes (manufactured and/or roll-your-own) or the equivalent amount of tobacco All data weighted to the Australian population appropriate for each survey year and may vary slightly from data presented in previous edition Source: Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer analysis of National Drug Strategy Household Survey data.36
References
1. US Department of Health and Human Services. The health consequences of smoking: a report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta, Georgia: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2004. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics /sgr/index.htm .
2. Laws P, Abeywardana S, Walker J, and Sullivan E. Australia’s mothers and babies 2005. Perinatal statistics series no. 20, AIHW cat. no. PER 40.Sydney: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare National Perinatal Statistics Unit, 2007. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/10471 .
3. Laws P, Grayson N, and Sullivan E. Smoking and pregnancy. AIHW cat. no. PER 33.Sydney: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare National Perinatal Statistics Unit, 2006. Available from: http://www.npsu.unsw.edu.au/NPSUweb.nsf/resources/AMB_2004_2008/$file /Smoking+and+pregnancy+for+web.pdf .
4. Hilder L, Zhichao Z, Parker M, Jahan S, and Chambers GM. Australia’s mothers and babies 2012. Perinatal statistics series no. 30. Cat. no. PER 69, Canberra: AIHW, 2014. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129550033 .
5. Laws P and Sullivan E. Australia’s mothers and babies 2007. Perinatal statistics series no. 23., cat. no. PER 48.Sydney: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare National Perinatal Statistics Unit, 2009. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/per/per-48-10972/per-48-10972.pdf .
6. Australian Institute for Health and Welfare. Perinatal data. 2015. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au /perinatal-data/
7. Lu Y, Tong S, and Oldenburg B. Determinants of smoking and cessation during and after pregnancy. Health Promotion International, 2001; 16(4):355–65. Available from: http://heapro.oxfordjournals.org /cgi/content/full/16/4/355
8. Mohsin M and Bauman A. Socio-demographic factors associated with smoking and smoking cessation among 426,344 pregnant women in New South Wales, Australia. BMC Public Health 2005; 5:138. Available from: http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1471-2458-5-138.pdf
9. Flick L, Cook C, Homan S, McSweeney M, Campbell C, et al. Persistent tobacco use during pregnancy and the likelihood of psychiatric disorders. American Journal of Public Health 2006; 96(10):1799−807. Available from: http://www.ajph.org/cgi/content/abstract/96/10/1799 10. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 4326.0 Mental health and well-being: profile of adults: Summary of results 2007. Canberra: ABS, 2008. Available from: http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected] /allprimarymainfeatures/3F8A5DFCBECAD9C0CA2568A900139380?opendocument .
11. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 4364.0 National Health Survey: summary of results (re-issue), 2007–08 Canberra: ABS, 2009. Available from: http://www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/ausstats/subscriber.nsf /0/9FD6625F3294CA36CA25761C0019DDC5/$File/43640_2007-2008%20%28reissue%29.pdf .
12. Jablensky A, McGrath J, Herrman H, Castle D, Gureje O, et al. People living with psychotic illness: an Australian study 1997–98. Mental Health Branch, Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care.Canberra 1999.
13. Lasser K, Boyd L, Woolhandler S, Himmelstein S, McCormick D, et al. Smoking and mental illness: a population-based prevalence study. Journal of the American Medical Association, 2000; 284(2):2606–10. Available from: http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/284/20/2606
14. McNeill A. Smoking and mental health: a review of the literature. London: Smokefree London Programme, 2001. Available from: http://www.ash.org.uk/html/policy/menlitrev.pdf .
15. Jorm AF, Rodgers B, Jacomb PA, Christensen H, Henderson S, et al. Smoking and mental health: results from a community survey. Medical Journal of Australia, 1999; 170(2):74–7. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10026688
16. Reichler H, Baker A, Lewin T, and Carr V. Smoking among in-patients with drug-related problems in an Australian psychiatric hospital. Drug and Alcohol Review, 2001; 20(2):231–7. Available from: http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~content=a713659508~db=all~order=page
17. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. National Drug Strategy Household Survey detailed report: 2013. Cat. no. PHE 183 Canberra: AIHW, 2014. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail /?id=60129549469&tab=3 .
18. Chapman S, Ragg M, and McGeechan K. Citation bias in reported smoking prevalence in people with schizophrenia. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 2009; 43(3):277–82. Available from: http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~db=all?content=10.1080/00048670802653372
19. Jablensky A, McGrath J, Herrman H, Castle D, Gureje O, et al., People living with psychotic Illness: an Australian study 1997–98. Canberra: Mental Health Branch, Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care; 1999.
20. Lawrence D, Holman C, and Jablensky A, Duty to Care. Preventable physical illness in people with mental illness. Perth: The University of Western Australia; 2001
21. Preventative Health Taskforce. Australia: the healthiest country by 2020. National Preventative Health Strategy. Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia, 2009. Available from: http://www.preventativehealth.org.au /internet/preventativehealth/publishing.nsf/Content/national-preventative-health-strategy-1lp .
22. Australian Bureau of Statistics, 4102.0 Australian Social Trends, 2007 Canberra: Australian Bureau of Statistics; 2007. Available from: http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected]/Latestproducts /F4B15709EC89CB1ECA25732C002079B2?opendocument# .
23. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. National Drug Strategy Household Survey detailed report: 2013 - Supplementary tables. Canberra: AIHW, 2014. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication- detail/?id=60129549469&tab=3 .
24. Siahpush M, Borland R, and Scollo M. Prevalence and socio-economic correlates of smoking among lone mothers in Australia. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 2002; 26(2):132–5. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12054331
25. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 4102.0 Australian Social Trends, 2007. Canberra: ABS, 2008. Last update: Viewed Available from: http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected]/allprimarymainfeatures /3550D34DA999401ECA25748E00126282?opendocument .
26. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 2049.0 - Census of Population and Housing: Estimating homelessness, 2011 Available from: http://abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/Latestproducts/2049.0Main%20Features22011
27. Kermode M, Crofts N, Miller P, Speed B, and Streeton J. Health indicators and risks among people experiencing homelessness in Melbourne, 1995–1996. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 1998; 22(4):464–70. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9659774
28. Awofeso N, Testaz R, Wyper S, and Morris S. Smoking prevalence in New South Wales correctional facilities. Tobacco Control, 2001; 10(1):84–5. Available from: http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov /picrender.fcgi?artid=1763990&blobtype=pdf
29. Belcher J, Butler T, Richmond R, Wodak A, and Wilhelm K. Smoking and its correlates in an Australian prisoner population. Drug and Alcohol Review, 2006; 25(4):343–8. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16854660
30. Baker A, Ivers R, Bowman J, Butler T, Kay-Lambkin F, et al. Where there's smoke, there's fire: high prevalence of smoking among some sub-populations and recommendations for intervention. Drug and Alcohol Review, 2006; 25:85–96. Available from: http://www.informaworld.com /smpp/content~content=a741424195~db=all~order=page
31. White V and Hayman J. Australian secondary school students’ use of over-the-counter and illicit substances in 2005. Report prepared for Drug Strategy Branch, Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. Monograph Series No 60. Melbourne: Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Control Research Institute, The Cancer Council Victoria, 2006. Available from: http://www.nationaldrugstrategy.gov.au/internet/drugstrategy/publishing.nsf/Content/mono60 .
32. Degenhardt L and Hall W. The relationship between tobacco use, substance-use disorders and mental health: results from the National Survey of Mental Health and Well-being. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 2001; 3(3):225–34. Available from: http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~db=all?content=10.1080 /14622200110050457
33. Guydish J, Passalacqua E, Pagano A, Martínez C, Le T, et al. An international systematic review of smoking prevalence in addiction treatment. Addiction, 2015. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111 /add.13099
34. Williams J and Ziedonis D. Addressing tobacco among individuals with a mental illness or an addiction. Addictive Behaviors, 2004; 29(6):1067–83. Available from: http://www.sciencedirect.com /science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VC9-4C82B3T-9&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d& view=c&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=8095f68eba25b9b133e7794633a4511f
35. Kalman D, Morissette S, and George T. Co-morbidity of smoking in patients with psychiatric and substance use disorders. American Journal on Addictions, 2005; 14(2):106–23. Available from: http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~db=all?content=10.1080/10550490590924728
36. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. National Drug Strategy Household Survey, 2013 [computer file], 2015, Australian Data Archive, The Australian National University: Canberra.
Copyright © 2016 The Cancer Council. All rights reserved. Chapter 1: Prevalence » 1.11 Prevalence of use of different types of tobacco product
1.11 Prevalence of use of different types of tobacco product
Last updated: November 2015 Suggested citation: Greenhalgh, EM, Bayly, M, & Winstanley, MH. 1.11 Prevalence of use of different types of tobacco product. In Scollo, MM and Winstanley, MH [editors]. Tobacco in Australia: Facts and issues. Melbourne: Cancer Council Victoria; 2015. Available from http://www.tobaccoinaustralia.org.au /chapter-1-prevalence/1-11-prevalence-of-use-of-different-types-of-tobac
1.11.1 Manufactured cigarettes, roll-your-own cigarettes, pipes and cigars
Most tobacco consumed in Australia is in the form of factory-made cigarettes. Data on prevalence of use of different types of tobacco products were collected by Cancer Council Victoria (formerly the Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria) in regular surveys undertaken between 1974 and 1998, and were reported in the most recent National Drug Strategy Household Surveys. Between 1974 and 1998 male smokers were more likely than female smokers to use pipes or cigars exclusively (Table 1.11.1).
Table 1.11.1 Prevalence of smoking by type of tobacco used, Australian smokers by sex aged 18+, 1974–1998 (data not weighted)
Cigarettes Pipes and/or Year Sex (%) cigars* (%) 1974 Male 91 9 Female 100 0 1976 Male 94 6 Female 99 1 1980 Male 99 1 Female 100 0 1983 Male 94 6 Female 100 0 1986 Male 95 5 Female 100 0 1989 Male 94 6 Female 100 0 1992 Male 97 3 Female 100 0 Cigarettes Pipes and/or Year Sex (%) cigars* (%) 1995 Male 96 4 Female 100 0 1998 Male 97 3 Female 100 0 * Pipe/cigar smokers are only those that smoke tobacco in these forms exclusively. Smokers who use a mix of cigarettes and pipes/cigars are included with cigarette smokers. Source: Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, unpublished data.
Table 1.11.2 Type of tobacco smoked*, smokers aged 18 years and over, Australia, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010 and 2013
Manufactured Cigars or pipes RYO Year Sex cigarettes % 2001 Males 88 21 31 Females 94 6 20 Persons 90 14 26 2004 Males 89 12 32 Females 96 2 20 Persons 92 8 26 2007 Males 88 12 31 Females 95 2 22 Persons 91 8 27 2010 Males 88 13 39 Females 94 3 27 Persons 91 8 33 2013 Males 86 15 36 Females 92 3 27 Persons 89 10 32 * Respondents could select more than one response therefore totals do not equal 100. Respondents were classified as using the different tobacco product if they indicated at least some use of the product in the past 12 months, irrespective of recency of use. Sources: National Drug Strategy Household Surveys 2001,1 2004,2 2007,3,4 and 2010,5, 6 and Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer analysis of 2013 National Drug Strategy Household Survey data.7
A large international study on the prevalence and user characteristics of RYO tobacco in Australia and other countries has shown that exclusive RYO smokers are more likely to be male, older, to have a lower level of income, and to have less education.8 This study found that about one-quarter of Australian smokers used RYO products: 15% combined use of manufactured cigarettes and RYO tobacco, and 9% reported exclusive use of RYO.8
1.11.2 Unbranded loose tobacco ('chop-chop')
Chop-chop is finely cut, unbranded 'black market' tobacco which has been grown, distributed and sold without government intervention or taxation.9 Due to its comparative cheapness, some smokers have adopted it as an alternative to, or in addition to, smoking manufactured tobacco.10,11 Questions about the prevalence of usage of chop-chop have been asked in the most recent National Drug Strategy Household Surveys. In 2013, only 3.6% of smokers aged 14+ years reported currently using unbranded loose tobacco.6 Further analysis of this data among Australian adults aged 18+ years has shown prevalence of chop-chop use has significantly declined from 2004 to 2013.12 Two small surveys undertaken in New South Wales showed varying degrees of penetration of chop-chop in the community.10,13
Chop-chop is discussed further in Chapter 3, Section 3.27.2, Chapter 10, Section 10.9.1 and in greatest detail in Chapter 13, Section 13.7.2.
1.11.3 Smokeless tobacco products
Although widely used overseas,12 smokeless tobacco products (those intended for sucking or chewing) are little used in Australia and data concerning the prevalence of their use are sparse. Results from the 2013 National Drug Strategy Household Survey showed that only 0.3–0.4% of Australians aged 14 years or older reported using chewing tobacco, snus, or snuff in the 12 months prior to completing the questionnaire.15
Leaves from naturally occurring nicotine-containing plants were chewed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples prior to the introduction of conventional tobacco products in the eighteenth century, first by Indonesian fishermen, and later by European settlers. In some Indigenous communities 'bush' tobaccos and manufactured loose or plug tobaccos are still chewed, either alone or in combination, but overall prevalence of use of these substances is extremely low.11,16–19 Tobacco chewing among the Australian Indigenous population is discussed further in Chapter 8, Section 8.5.
The import, sales and marketing of smokeless tobacco products in Australia is controlled by national legislation.18 However a recent survey showing that smokeless tobacco products are readily available from some South Asian shops in Sydney suggests that there is sufficient local demand for these products for importers and shopkeepers to risk breaking the law.21 For a detailed discussion of smokeless tobacco, see InDepth18A.
1.11.4 Other products
For the first time, the 2013 National Drug Strategy Household survey also asked respondents about their use of cigarillos, waterpipe tobacco (shishas/hookahs/nargillas), and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). Among smokers aged 18 years or over, about one in ten (11%) had smoked a cigarillo in the year prior to completing the survey (12% of men and 9% of women).
Across all Australian adults aged 18+ years, 94% had never used waterpipes, 4% had done so but not in the past 12 months, and 2% had used a waterpipe in the past 12 months. Current smokers were additionally asked how often they currently use waterpipe tobacco; 6% of male and 3% of female current smokers aged 18+ years reported currently using waterpipe tobacco. Overall, 1.0% reported that they did so daily, less than 1% used waterpipes at least weekly, and 3% did so less often than weekly.7
For information about the prevalence of use of e-cigarettes, see InDepth 18B.3.
References
1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2001 National Drug Strategy Household Survey: detailed findings. Drug statistics series no. 11, AIHW cat. no. PHE 41. Canberra: AIHW, 2002. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/8227
2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2004 National Drug Strategy Household Survey: detailed findings. Drug strategy series no.16, AIHW cat. no. PHE 66. Canberra: AIHW, 2005. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/phe/ndshsdf04/ndshsdf04.pdf 3. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2007 National Drug Strategy Household Survey: detailed findings. Drug statistics series no. 22, AIHW cat. no. PHE 107. Canberra: AIHW, 2008. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/10674
4. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. National Drug Strategy Household Survey, 2007. Canberra: Australian Social Science Data Archive, The Australian National University, 2008. [viewed July 2008]
5. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2010 National Drug Strategy Household Survey: survey report. Drug statistics series no. 25, AIHW cat. no. PHE 145. Canberra: AIHW, 2011. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=32212254712&libID=32212254712&tab=2
6. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. National Drug Strategy Household Survey detailed report: 2013. Cat. no. PHE 183 Canberra: AIHW, 2014. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail /?id=60129549469&tab=3 .
7. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. National Drug Strategy Household Survey, 2013 [computer file], 2015, Australian Data Archive, The Australian National University: Canberra.
8. Young D, Borland R, Hammond D, Cummings KM, Devlin E, et al. Prevalence and attributes of roll-your-own smokers in the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Four Country Survey. Tobacco Control, 2006; 15(suppl. 3):iii76–iii82. Available from: http://tc.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/15/suppl_3/iii76
9. Auditor-General. Administration of tobacco excise. Audit report No. 55, 2001–02 Performance Audit. Canberra: Australian National Audit Office, Commonwealth of Australia, 2002. Available from: http://www.anao.gov.au/uploads/documents/2001-02_Audit_Report_55.pdf .
10. Bittoun R. 'Chop chop' tobacco smoking [Letter]. Medical Journal of Australia, 2002; 77:686–7. Available from: http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/177_11_021202/bittoun_021202.pdf
11. Lindorff KJ. Tobacco time for action: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tobacco Control Project final report. Canberra, Australia: National Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, 2002. Available from: http://www.naccho.org.au/Files/Documents/NACCHO_Tobacco_report.pdf .
12. Scollo M, Zacher M, Bayly M, and Wakefield M. Who smokes unbranded illicit tobacco in Australia: results of nationally representative crosssectional household surveys in 2004, 2007, 2010 and 2013. Aust N Z J Public Health, 2015. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1753-6405.12424
13. Walsh R, Paul C, and Stojanovski E. Illegal tobacco use in Australia: how big is the problem of chop-chop? Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 2006; 30(5):484–5. Available from: http://www.phaa.net.au/anzjph/anzjph.htm
14. World Health Organization and International Agency for Research on Cancer. IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. Volume 85: Betel-quid and areca-nut chewing and some areca-nut-derived nitrosamines. Summary of data reported and evaluation. Lyon: IARC, 2004. Available from: http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/vol85/volume85.pdf .
15. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, National Drug Strategy Household Survey detailed report: 2013 – Supplementary tables. AIHW: Canberra; 2014. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/alcohol- and-other-drugs/ndshs/ .
16. Watson C, Fleming J, and Alexander K. A survey of drug use patterns in Northern Territory Aboriginal communities:1986–1987. Darwin, Australia: Northern Territory Department of Health and Community Services, 1988.
17. Gilchrist D. Smoking prevalence among Aboriginal women. Aboriginal and Islander Health Worker Journal, 1998; 22:4–6.
18. Briggs VL, Lindorff KJ, and Ivers RG. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and tobacco. Tobacco Control, 2003; 12(suppl. 2):ii5–ii8. Available from: http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/cgi/content/extract /12/suppl_2/ii5 19. Brady M. Historical and cultural roots of tobacco use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 2002; 26:116–20.
20. Attorney-General's Department and Commonwealth of Australia. Trade Practices Act 1974 (and Amendments). Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia, 2007. Last update: Viewed 18 June 2007. Available from: http://www.comlaw.gov.au/comlaw/management.nsf/lookupindexpagesbyid /IP200401339?OpenDocument .
21. Sachdev P and Chapman S. Availability of smokeless tobacco products in South Asian grocery shops in Sydney, 2004. Medical Journal of Australia, 2005; 183:334. Available from: http://www.mja.com.au/public /issues/183_06_190905/letters_190905_fm-1.html
Copyright © 2016 The Cancer Council. All rights reserved. Chapter 1: Prevalence » 1.12 Prevalance of smoking among health professionals
1.12 Prevalence of smoking among health professionals
Last updated: November 2015 Suggested citation: Greenhalgh, EM, Bayly, M, & Winstanley, MH. 1.12 Prevalence of smoking among health professionals. In Scollo, MM and Winstanley, MH [editors]. Tobacco in Australia: Facts and issues. Melbourne: Cancer Council Victoria; 2015. Available from http://www.tobaccoinaustralia.org.au/chapter- 1-prevalence/1-12-future-smoking-rates-
Over the past 40 years in Australia, physicians have played a key role in reducing smoking rates, setting an example through their own smoking habits, as well as through the development of overall public health policy.1 Smoking rates among Australian physicians declined dramatically from high levels in the 1960s when around 1 in 3 physicians smoked, to around 1 in 10 by the late 1990s.2
A 2012 survey of staff at a Melbourne hospital found that smoking prevalence (7%) was lower than the general population.3 Another survey of metropolitan hospitals in South Australia found that prevalence among staff was lower than average in 2012 (8%), and had steadily declined over the past decade.4
The role of health professionals in providing effective medical interventions to help patients stop smoking is widely recognised.2, 5–9 However, in countries that have high rates of smoking among physicians, the translation of knowledge about the dangers of smoking to patients within the health care setting is challenging.10 Studies have shown that general practitioners (GPs) who smoke are less likely to record a patient's smoking behaviour and are less motivated to promote smoking cessation or to participate in smoking cessation trials.11 An intervention study conducted in Germany (a country with relatively high smoking rates among GPs) has also demonstrated that patients who receive cessation counselling from a GP were more likely to quit; however, the benefit of such counselling interventions was higher among patients counselled by a non-smoking GP.10 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health service staff have substantially higher smoking rates than non-Indigenous health workers—see section 8.3. A 2012–13 survey of such workers ) found that ex-smokers were significantly more likely to report being very much or extremely confident in talking to patients about quitting, compared with smokers (see also section 8.6).12
References
1. Smith D and Leggat P. An international review of tobacco smoking in the medical profession: 1974–2004. BMC Public Health 2007;7(147):115. Available from: http://www.biomedcentral.com/content /pdf/1471-2458-7-115.pdf
2. Smith D and Leggat P. The historical decline of tobacco smoking among Australian physicians: 1964–1997. Tobacco Induced Diseases 2008;4(1):13. Available from: http://www.tobaccoinduceddiseases.com/content/pdf/1617-9625-4-13.pdf
3. Rahman MA, Wilson AM, Sanders R, Castle D, Daws K, et al. Smoking behavior among patients and staff: a snapshot from a major metropolitan hospital in Melbourne, Australia. International Journal of General Medicine, 2014; 7:79–87. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24470770
4. Jones T and Williams J. Smoking prevalence and perspectives on smoking on campus by employees in Australian teaching hospitals. Internal Medicine Journal, 2012; 42(3):311–6. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20298510
5. Russell M, Wilson C, Taylor C, and Baker C. Effect of general practitioners' advice against smoking. British Medical Journal, 1979; 2(6184):231–5. Available from: http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov /picrender.fcgi?artid=1595592&blobtype=pdf
6. Gray N and Daube M. Guidelines for smoking control. UICC technical report series no. 52, Geneva: International Union Against Cancer, 1980.
7. US Department of Health and Human Services. The health benefits of smoking cessation. A report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control, Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 1990. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco /data_statistics/sgr/previous_sgr.htm .
8. Richmond R. Physicians can make a difference with smokers: evidence-based clinical approaches. International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, 1999; 3(2):100–12. Available from: http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/iuatld/ijtld/1999/00000003/00000002 /art00005?token=00591f58423dfb09016358f5c5f3b3b476728487434707b2a79427b5a4f582a2f4876753375686f49d4da963f
9. World Health Organization. Tools for advancing tobacco control in the XX1st century: policy recommendations for smoking cessation and treatment of tobacco dependence. Tools for public health. Geneva: World Health Organization, 2003. Available from: http://www.wpro.who.int/NR/rdonlyres/8D25E4D3- BB81-479E-8DF5-7BAF674DB104/0/PolicyRecommendations.pdf .
10. Ulbricht S, Baumeister S, Meyer C, Schmidt C, Schumann A, et al. Does the smoking status of general practitioners affect the efficacy of smoking cessation counselling? Patient Education and Counseling, 2009; 74(1):23−8. Available from: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=MImg&_imagekey=B6TBC- 4THJ6CD-1-5&_cdi=5139&_user=10&_orig=search&_coverDate=09%2F24%2F2008&_sk=999999999& view=c&wchp=dGLzVlz-zSkzV&md5=be17cfb0b6e0187d8e0bf6a0e0c255f1&ie=/sdarticle.pdf
11. Slama K, Karsenty S, and Hirsch A. French general practitioners’ attitudes and reported practices in relation to their participation and effectiveness in a minimal smoking cessation programme for patients. Addiction, 1999; 94:125−32.
12. Thomas DP, Davey ME, Panaretto KS, Hunt JM, Stevens M, et al. Smoking among a national sample of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health service staff. Medical Journal of Australia, 2015; 202(10):S85-9. Available from: http://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/26017264
Copyright © 2016 The Cancer Council. All rights reserved. Chapter 1: Prevalence » 1.13 International comparisons of prevalence of smoking
1.13 International comparisons of prevalence of smoking
Last updated: November 2015 Suggested citation: Greenhalgh, EM, Bayly, M, & Winstanley, MH. 1.13 International comparisons of prevalence of smoking. In Scollo, MM and Winstanley, MH [editors]. Tobacco in Australia: Facts and issues. Melbourne: Cancer Council Victoria; 2015. Available from http://www.tobaccoinaustralia.org.au /chapter-1-prevalence/1-13-international-comparisons-of-prevalence-of-sm
An estimated 1.25 billion adults worldwide are smokers,1 and international findings that 20% of young teenage school students are also current tobacco users (in one form or another) confirm that tobacco-caused illness and death will continue for many decades to come.2,3
1.13.1 International comparisons of adult smoking prevalence
In general, the prevalence of smoking is declining in industrialised countries in Northern and Western Europe, North America and the Western Pacific region, and on the increase in some countries in Asia, South America and Africa.1 As global patterns in tobacco use change, the burden of death can be expected to shift dramatically from the developed world to less wealthy countries. It has been estimated that over the next two decades, 70% of tobacco deaths will be in developing countries.4 About 80% of the world's smokers now live in low and middle income countries, at least in part due to a lack of adequate tobacco controls.5
A paradigm illustrating the typical progression of tobacco use worldwide, first proposed by Lopez and colleagues6 and later adapted by the WHO,7 is reproduced in Figure 1.13.1. Many (but not all) countries' experiences of patterns of tobacco use fit this model. Figure 1.13.1 Four stages of the tobacco epidemic Source: Lopez et al12 (Reproduced with permission from BMJ Group).
Stage I of the model is marked by a low smoking prevalence (below 20%), generally limited to males and accompanied by little evident increase in tobacco-caused chronic illness. Countries at stage I have not yet become major consumers in the global tobacco economy, but represent untapped potential for the tobacco industry. Some countries in sub-Saharan Africa fit into this stage in the model.7 The importance of tobacco farming in some countries in the region (e.g. Zimbabwe and Malawi) may act as a deterrent to the introduction of tobacco control policies. Zimbabwe is among the largest producers of tobacco in the world and is a major exporter; concerns about the health consequences of tobacco use are not high on the national agenda.8
In stage II of the paradigm, male prevalence of smoking has soared to more than 50% in men, and women's smoking rates are now increasing. Uptake of smoking is occurring at an earlier age, and, although there is now evidence of increased lung cancer and other chronic illness due to smoking among men, public and political understanding of and support for tobacco control initiatives is still not widespread. Countries that fit into this transitional stage include Japan, some nations within the Southeast Asian, Latin American and North African regions, and to a lesser extent, China. (The case of China is discussed further below).7
Stage III of the epidemic has been reached when smoking prevalence peaks and begins to decline in both sexes, although deaths caused by smoking continue to increase because of earlier high smoking rates. Health education programs are better developed, and smoking becomes less accepted among the more educated groups of society. Smoking becomes less socially acceptable and the climate is increasingly conducive to the introduction of tobacco control policies. Certain countries within Eastern and Southern Europe and Latin America are at this point on the continuum.7
Evolution into stage IV is marked by a continued distinct but gradual downturn in smoking prevalence among both males and females. Male deaths from smoking begin to decline, but female death rates continue to rise, reflecting earlier smoking patterns. Parts of Western Europe, the UK, the US, Canada, New Zealand and Australia are at various points on the continuum in the fourth stage of the tobacco epidemic.6 However, comprehensive and continually monitored public health strategies remain critical to maintain and reinforce declines in smoking prevalence.7
As noted above, there are some countries for which the paradigm devised by Lopez and colleagues in Figure 1.3.1 does not fit. This is especially so in nations in which female smoking rates have not shown a pattern of steady increase in stage II, despite high prevalence among males, most likely due to social or cultural constraints. For example, men in China and Indonesia have maintained high rates of smoking for many years, while female prevalence has remained in single digits. Nevertheless the WHO model described above does provide a useful framework into which many countries can be placed, and may enable countries currently at an earlier stage in the paradigm to recognise their situation, learn from international experience and introduce strong public health measures that will reduce the impact of tobacco on their population. Singapore provides a successful example of early intervention. In the early 1970s, while at stage II of the model, the Singaporean government initiated a series of tobacco control measures which capped smoking prevalence at a relatively low level, effectively averting the later stages of the epidemic. Thousands of tobacco-caused deaths in Singapore have been prevented as a result of this early, decisive action.6
Tables 1.13.1 and 1.13.2 present statistics on smoking prevalence from a number of different countries.
Figure 1.13.2 and Figure 1.13.3 show prevalence data collected by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) of its member countries,9 and the data on prevalence on less developed countries in Table 1.13.1 are taken from a wide variety of sources compiled for The Tobacco Atlas (Third Edition) published by the American Cancer Society and World Lung Foundation.10 These tables are provided in order to give a general global overview. It is important to note that data sets between countries are not directly comparable, due to differences in sampling (most crucially the year of the survey) and definitions (daily, regular (daily plus weekly) or current (daily, weekly or less than weekly) smokers), and that overall prevalence figures such as those provided by the tables may mask higher smoking levels among particular sub-groups of the population (most notably men in comparison to women). Further, studies which only take into account the smoking of manufactured cigarettes will underestimate tobacco use in countries where tobacco is widely used in other forms, such as in pipes, hand-rolled leaves or as chewing tobacco. This is a key consideration in countries where alternative methods of tobacco use are prevalent, such as in Sweden11 and throughout much of Southern and Southeast Asia.12,13 The interested reader is referred in the first instance to the primary sources, which explain the parameters of each study.
The global impact of death and disease caused by tobacco smoking is discussed in Chapter 3, Section 3.36.
Figure 1.13.2 Prevalence of daily smoking among population aged 15+ in OECD countries, males and females* * Percentages are rounded and appear to have been adjusted to take into account the differing age structures of populations in each country. For the year of data collection, see Figure 1.13.3. Note: Prevalence figures for Australia differ from those reported in the National Drug Strategy Household Surveys (NDSHS), which are based on the population 14 (rather than 15) and over. They also differ from the figures shown in Table 1.3.2 which has recalculated NDSHS prevalence estimates for the population aged 18+, defining current smoking as at least weekly use of tobacco Source: OECD Health9
Figure 1.13.3 Prevalence of daily smoking among population aged 15+ in OECD countries * Percentages are rounded and appear to have been adjusted to take into account the differing age structures of populations in each country † Note: Prevalence figures for Australia differ from those reported in the National Drug Strategy Household Surveys (NDSHS), which are based on the population 14 (rather than 15) and over. They also differ from the figures shown in Table 1.3.2 which has recalculated NDSHS prevalence estimates for the population aged 18+, defining current smoking as at least weekly use of tobacco Source: OECD Health9
Table 1.13.1 Prevalence of tobacco use among adults in selected other countries—males and females, age-standardised† Country Males % Females % Albania 38 4 Bangladesh 44 2 Cambodia 42 4 Chile 32 26 China 45 2 Cook Islands 41 29 Ethiopia 8 1 Fiji 23 5 Gambia 25 <1 India 23 3 Indonesia 57 4 Islamic Republic of Iran 23 2 Israel 26 14 Jordan 43 9 Kazakhstan 43 6 Kenya 20 1 Malaysia 38 1 Mauritius 34 3 Myanmar 31 7 Namibia 25 10 Nauru 52 56 Nigeria 7 1 Papua New Guinea 51 22 Philippines 40 8 Russian Federation 51 17 Samoa 34 13 Singapore 23 4 South Africa 22 9 Sri Lanka 24 1 Thailand 37 2 Ukraine 46 12 United Arab Emirates 18 3 Tanzania 20 2 Vanuatu 29 3 Vietnam 41 2 Zimbabwe 25 3 * Year of study reported, and definition of 'adult' and 'smoker' varies between countries. For further information, refer to primary sources cited by The Tobacco Atlas, which provides prevalence for over 190 countries. † Percentages are rounded Source: The Tobacco Atlas (Third Edition).10
1.13.2 International comparisons of smoking prevalence in children
The Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) is a joint project of WHO, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Canadian Public Health Association and most WHO member states. The GYTS is a schools-based survey of teenagers aged 13–15, which has enabled consistent data collection from 395 sites encompassing 131 countries, plus the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.2 Table 1.13.2 summarises some of the available data by WHO region, for the years 2007–2014.
Table 1.13.2 Current use of any tobacco product* among school students aged 13‒15 by sex and World Health Organization region, 2007–14^
Region Boys (%)† Girls (%)† African region^ 14 5 Americas region 17 14 Eastern Mediterranean region 21 10 European region^ 21 17 Southeast Asian region 21 7 Western Pacific region 12 4 Total 18 8 * ‘Current use’ is defined as any use during the past 30 days. Any tobacco product includes cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snuff, dipping tobacco, cigars, cigarillos, little cigars, pipes, bidis, waterpipes or betel nut combined with tobacco. † Percentages are rounded ^ Updated data for Africa and Europe not available as at October 2015: figures represent 2000–07 Source: Warren et al, 20082 and WHO.14
National data have also been reported for New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, England and the US. These data are of interest since these countries have adopted, to a greater or lesser extent, tobacco control measures which are similar to those operating in Australia. Key findings from some international surveys are reported briefly here and interested readers should refer to the primary sources for further information. Due to methodological differences, it should be noted that these data are not directly comparable with Australian data or with each other.
Results from the most recent New Zealand showed that the current smoking rate in youth (those aged 15–17 years) halved between 2006–07 and 2013–14, falling from 16% to 8%.15 The latest Canadian Youth Smoking Survey (YSS) found that in 2012–13, about 2% of students in grades 6–9 and about 8% of students in grades 10–12 were current smokers. There was an overall decline in smoking prevalence among students in grades 6 to 12 compared to 2010-2011.16 Ireland’s Health Behaviour in School-aged Children Survey 2006 reported that 15% of 10‒17 year olds were current smokers.17 A 2014 survey of health behaviours among 15 year-olds across England found that 8 per cent were current smokers.18
The Monitoring the Future Study from the US reported that in 2014, cigarette smoking reached historical lows among high school students; 1.4% of 8th graders, 3.2% of 10th graders, and 6.7% of 12th graders reported being daily smokers. Compared with 2013, there were statistically significant declines among those in years 10 and 12.19
1.13.3 Socio-economic status: international comparisons As discussed in Section 1.13.1, the timing, duration and magnitude of the smoking epidemic has varied significantly from one country to another.23 While westernised countries such as the US, Australia and Canada have been through all four stages of the epidemic and are now experiencing declining prevalence rates and boast sophisticated tobacco control measures, countries in regions such as Southeast Asia and North Africa are currently in the second stage, with high rates of male smoking and lower (but increasing) levels of female smoking.12 The different stages of the tobacco epidemic also vary in terms of socio- economic inequality and smoking.
For example, countries currently at stage II of the epidemic are characterised by little difference between socio-economic groups, if not higher smoking among upper classes,12 while the opposite is true in countries such as Australia, where smoking is higher among lower socio-economic status (SES) groups and lower among higher SES groups and vice versa.
Smoking prevalence data from 19 European countries between 1998 and 200424 indicate that the interaction between socio-economic status and smoking varied quite widely between Northern and Southern Europe, especially among women. This study found that different regions of Europe were experiencing different stages of the tobacco epidemic, likely to be due to variance in socio-cultural processes related to gender empowerment occurring across Europe.
A study examining the association between SES and smoking among immigrants to the US found that being foreign-born or a second generation immigrant had a protective effect against smoking across all SES groups, but most markedly among those in the lowest SES group.25 The authors speculated that differences in the smoking epidemic between country of origin and the US might help explain such a pattern among US immigrants, with those countries in stage II of the epidemic (as described above) likely to have similar smoking rates among different socio-economic classes. A systematic review in 2015 explored the role of acculturation in smoking in immigrants from non-western to western countries. Among less acculturated immigrants, prevalence reflected their countries of origin (i.e., was very high in men and very low in women) and thus the early stage of the epidemic. For those who were more acculturated, prevalence indicated an adaption toward the social norm of the western country (i.e, became higher in women and lower in men) and reflected a more advanced phase of the epidemic.23
References
1. Shafey O, Eriksen M, Ross H and Mackay J. The tobacco atlas, 3rd edn. American Cancer Society, 2010. Available from: http://www.cancer.org/AboutUs/GlobalHealth/CancerandTobaccoControlResources /the-tobacco-atlas-3rd-edition
2. Warren C, Jones N, Eriksen M and Asma S for the Global Tobacco Surveillance System (GTSS) collaborative group. Patterns of global tobacco use in young people and implications for future chronic disease burden in adults. The Lancet 2006;367(9512):749–53. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov /pubmed/16517275
3. Warren CW, Jones NR, Peruga A, Chauvin J, Baptiste J-P, Costa de Silva V, et al. Global youth tobacco surveillance, 2000–2007. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 2008;57(SS01):1–21. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss5701a1.htm
4. Hammond SK. Global patterns of nicotine and tobacco consumption. Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology 2009(192):3–28. Available from: http://www.springerlink.com/content/t353k255747342h6
5. World Health Organization. The world health report 1999: making a difference. Geneva: World Health Organization, 1999. Available from: http://www.who.int/whr
6. Lopez A, Collishaw N, and Piha T. A descriptive model of the cigarette epidemic in developed countries. Tobacco Control, 1994; 3:242–7. Available from: http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/cgi/reprint/3/3/242.pdf
7. Shafey O, Dolwick S, and Guindon G, eds. Tobacco control country profiles. Atlanta, GA, American Cancer Society, World Health Organization, International Union Against Cancer;2003. 8. Asma S and Pederson L. Tobacco control in Africa: opportunities for prevention. Tobacco Control, 1999; 8:353 4. Available from: http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/8/4/353
9. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and Health Division, Non-medical determinants of health: tobacco consumption. Paris: OECD; 2015. Available from: http://stats.oecd.org /Index.aspx?DataSetCode=HEALTH_LVNG
10. The Tobacco Atlas: American Cancer Society & World Lung Foundation; 2015. Available from: http://www.tobaccoatlas.org/
11. Foulds J, Ramstrom L, Burke M, and Fagerstrom K. Effect of smokeless tobacco (snus) on smoking and public health in Sweden. Tobacoo Control, 2003; 12:349–59. Available from: http://tc.bmjjournals.com /cgi/content/abstract/12/4/349
12. National Cancer Institute and Stockholm Centre of Public Health. Smokeless tobacco factsheets. Prepared for the 3rd International Conference on Smokeless Tobacco. Atlanta, Georgia: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2002. Available from: http://cancercontrol.cancer.gov /tcrb/stfact_sheet_combined10-23-02.pdf
13. World Health Organization and International Agency for Research on Cancer. IARC monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans. Vol. 85: Betel-quid and areca-nut chewing and some areca- nut-derived nitrosamines. Summary of data reported and evaluation. Lyon: IARC, 2004. Available from: http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/vol85/volume85.pdf
14. World Health Organization. Current users of any tobacco product (youth rate). 2015. Available from: http://apps.who.int/gho/data/view.main.1805REG?lang=en
15. Ministry of Health, Annual update of key results 2013/14: New Zealand Health Survey. Wellington: Ministry of Health; 2014. Available from: http://www.health.govt.nz/publication/annual-update-key-results- 2013-14-new-zealand-health-survey
16. Health Canada. Latest youth smoking survey results (2012–2013). 2014. Available from: http://www.hc- sc.gc.ca/hc-ps/tobac-tabac/research-recherche/stat/index-eng.php
17. Department of Health Promotion. Health Behaviour in School aged Children Survey 2006 (HBSC). Minister launches Health Behaviour Study for School Children [Press Release] 23 August Galway: National University of Ireland, 2007. Available from: www.nuigalway.ie/hbsc
18. Health & Social Care Information Centre. Health and wellbeing of 15 year olds in England: smoking prevalence – Findings from the What About YOUth? Survey 2014. 2015. Available from: http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB17984
19. Johnston LD, Miech RA, O'Malley PM, Bachman JG, and Schulenberg JE, Use of alcohol, cigarettes, and number of illicit drugs declines among U.S. teens. Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan News Service; 2014. Available from: http://www.monitoringthefuture.org/data/14data.html#2014data-cigs
20. Lopez AD, Collishaw NE, and Piha T. A descriptive model of the cigarette epidemic in developed countries. Tob Control, 1994; 3:242–7. Available from: http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/cgi/reprint/3/3/242.pdf
21. Schaap M and Kunst A. Monitoring of socio-economic inequalities in smoking: learning from the experiences of recent scientific studies. Public Health, 2009; 123(3):103–9. Available from: http://www.publichealthjrnl.com/article/PIIS0033350608003077/fulltext
22. Acevedo-Garcia D, Pan J, Jun H-J, Osypuk TL, and Emmons KM. The effect of immigrant generation on smoking. Social Science and Medicine, 2005; 61:1223–42. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov /pubmed/15970233
23. Reiss K, Lehnhardt J, and Razum O. Factors associated with smoking in immigrants from non-western to western countries - what role does acculturation play? A systematic review. Tobacco Induced Diseases, 2015; 13(1):11. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25908932 Copyright © 2016 The Cancer Council. All rights reserved. Chapter 1: Prevalence » 1.14 Smoking by Australian states and territories
1.14 Smoking by Australian states and territories
Last updated: November 2015 Suggested citation: Greenhalgh, EM, Bayly, M, & Winstanley, MH. 1.14 Smoking by Australian states and territories. In Scollo, MM and Winstanley, MH [editors]. Tobacco in Australia: Facts and issues. Melbourne: Cancer Council Victoria; 2015. Available from http://www.tobaccoinaustralia.org.au/chapter-1-prevalence /1-14-smoking-states-territories
Smoking prevalence varies across Australian states and territories.1
Estimates of prevalence in each Australian state and territory are subject to sampling error so that confidence intervals around estimates for states and territories are wider than around estimates for the total population. The age structure of the population varies between states and has changed in different ways over time. This needs to be taken into account when comparing prevalence across states and in particular when examining changes in prevalence over time.
1.14.1 Latest estimates of prevalence in Australian states and territories
Table 1.14.1 sets out estimates for prevalence of smoking for Australians in each state and territory in 2013 among Australians 14 years and older.
Table 1.14.1 Prevalence of daily, regular and current smoking for Australians 14+, 2013, in each state and territory
NSW Vic Qld WA SA Tas ACT NT Aus
Raw percentages, not age adjusted Daily 12 12 15 12 13 16 10 21 13 Weekly 1 2 1 1 <1 1 2 2 1 Total regular smokers 13 14 16 14 14 17 11 23 14 (daily plus weekly) Less than weekly 2 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 2 Total current smokers 15 16 17 16 15 18 12 24 16 (daily, weekly, less than weekly) Ex-smokers† 23 23 25 28 25 28 23 26 24 Never smokers 62 62 58 57 60 54 65 50 60
Note: these figures are not age-standardized. Differences are likely to reflect difference in age structure of populations in each state. Source: National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2013,1 Table 7.2 Table 1.14.2 provides the data for each state and territories for males and females 14 years and older who smoke daily.
Table 1.14.2 Prevalence of daily smoking for Australians in each state and territory and 14+ years by gender: raw and age-standardised
NSW Vic Qld WA SA Tas ACT NT Aus
Unstandardised figures Males 13 14 17 16 13 19 10 24 15 Females 10 11 13 9 13 13 10 19 11 Total 12 12 15 12 13 16 10 21 13 Age-standardised Males 13 14 17 16 13 20 10 24 15 Females 10 11 13 9 13 13 10 18 11 Total 12 12 15 12 13 17 10 21 13
*Note: Proportions for each state have been directly age-standardized to the total Australian population as at 20 June 2001. Source: National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2010, AIHW 2014,1,2 Table 7.2 and Table A7.1
The National Partnership Agreement on Preventive Health[3] has specified targets for smoking prevalence for each Australian state and territory for the year 2018. These are based on proportional declines in smoking as measured by the National Health Survey conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics starting from the baseline of the 2007 survey. The Agreement requires States and Territories to achieve ‘reduction in state baseline for proportion of adults smoking daily commensurate with a two percentage point reduction in smoking from 2007 national baseline by 2011; 3.5 percentage point reduction from 2007 national baseline by 2013.’ It should be noted that the baselines for the targets are not those published in the ABS report, but rather a set of age-standardised figures that eliminate the effects of differing age structures in the differing state populations. The baseline figures are set out in the third row and the target figures based on this formulae are set out in the fourth and fifth rows of Table 1.14.4..
Table 1.14.3 Prevalence of daily smoking from ABS National Health Survey for Australians 2011–12, 15+, 18+ (raw and age standardized) and NPAPH targets for each state and territory
NSW Vic Qld WA SA Tas ACT NT Aus
Daily smoking 18+ (unstandardised) 2011–12 14 16 18 18 16 21 13 24 16 Daily smoking 18+ 2011–12 age standardized* 14 17 18 18 17 22 13 23 16 Target for 2011 17 16 19 16 18 22 14 19 17 Target for 2013 16 14 18 14 17 20 13 17 16 * Proportions have been age-standardised to the Australian population as at 30 June 2001. Source: Australian Health Survey: Updated Results, 2011–124
1.14.2 Trends in prevalence in Australian states and territories
To assess changes over time in smoking prevalence between states, data from the National Drug Strategy Household Survey for people aged 18 years and over were weighted to the Australian population appropriate for each survey year and examined by state. As shown in Figure 1.14.1, since 2001, adults in the Northern Territory (NT) have consistently had the highest level of regular smoking (24% in 2013). In 2013, those aged 18+ years from NT were significantly more likely to be regular smokers than people from any other state except Tasmania (controlling for age and sex). High smoking rates in the NT may reflect the high percentage of Indigenous Australians residing there—smoking rates among all Indigenous Australians were about 44% in 2012–13—see Section 8.3. About 30% of the residents of the NT are of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island origin, compared with 5% or less in all other states and territories.5
Figure 1.14.1 Prevalence of regular* smoking,† Australians aged 18+, 2001–13—by each Australian state and territory * Includes those reporting that they smoke ‘daily’ or ‘at least weekly’. † Includes persons smoking any combination of cigarettes, pipes or cigars. ‡ All data weighted to the Australian population appropriate for each survey year and may vary slightly from data presented in previous edition Source: Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer analysis of National Drug Strategy Household Survey data from 1995 to 2013.
Significant linear declines in adult regular smoking prevalence from 2001 to 2013 have been observed in all states and territories other than the Northern Territory, where a marginal trend toward a decline was seen over this period. Further analysis comparing 2013 to all other years showed that prevalence in 2013 was significantly lower than 2010 in the larger states of New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, and South Australia, but no different in Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory, and the Northern Territory. In fact, smoking prevalence in 2013 in the Northern Territory was not significantly different from any other survey year. References
1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. National Drug Strategy Household Survey detailed report: 2013. Cat. no. PHE 183 Canberra: AIHW, 2014. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail /?id=60129549469&tab=3
2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. National Drug Strategy Household Survey detailed report: 2013 - Supplementary tables. Canberra: AIHW, 2014. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication- detail/?id=60129549469&tab=3
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