Smoking drops in NZ adults – data

The number of regular adult smokers in New Zealand has dropped by 22.5 per cent over seven years, Census data show.

The results, published in the New Zealand Medical Journal, show that in 2006, 597,792 adults (over 15 years of age) said they were regular smokers (one or more cigarettes a day).

However, in 2013, this dropped to 463,194, a 22.5 per cent decrease.

The drop in the number of regular smokers was across all demographic sub-groups, including Maori and young adults, a press release from the New Zealand Medical Journal says.

Maori continue to have the highest age-standardised smoking prevalence (32.4 per cent), with the highest prevalence (43.1 per cent) among young Maori women aged 25 to 29 years of age, the press release says.

The study’s authors say the results are promising.

“This study suggests that the recent decline in smoking prevalence is accelerating in New Zealand, including among high-priority groups like Maori, Pacific people and young adults.

“These findings are promising, as evidence of progress towards the goal of a smoke-free New Zealand by 2025.”

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