Cigarette smoking behaviour
Sophie Davies
Public
Seen by 446
Smoking was first included in the 1976 Census, and repeated in the 1981, 1996, 2006, and 2013 Censuses. Cigarette smoking behaviour was historically a cyclic variable, meaning it is reviewed for relevance and inclusion each census due to typically less change in the data over time.
We have collected this information in the last two censuses as there has been strong government interest in data on smoking, due to its recognised high social and monetary costs. In March 2011 the government committed to Smoke-free 2025 , a goal of less than five percent prevalence of smoking across all populations by 2025.
Data on smoking is widely collected through other surveys, most notably the Ministry of Health’s Health Survey. The value of census data compared with other data is that census data can be broken down geographically and for particular demographic groups, to a level of detail that is not possible from a sample survey.
Given that the Health Survey is now continuous, we are considering whether it is still necessary for the census to collect data on smoking behaviour.
Our current recommendations relating to cigarette smoking behaviour
- We welcome feedback on customers’ current needs for information on cigarette smoking behaviour, and whether this information need can now be met by alternative data sources rather than the census.
See our preliminary view of 2018 Census content (page 62) for a more detailed discussion on cigarette smoking behaviour information
See 2013 Census information by variable for information on the cigarette smoking behaviour variable
Lifeng Zhou Thu 30 Apr 2015 5:00AM
My name is Lifeng Zhou, Senior Epidemiologist, Waitemata DHB. I have a strong opinion having the smoking question included in the Census 2018. As realised by Stats NZ, NZHS data (even though it is annual) can provide a general picture of smoking at DHB or higher level (may need to aggregate a couple of years' data together), it does not help the DHB to identify the areas of targets, such as at suburb level or by population sub-groups (Pacific sub-group, Asian and MELAA sub-groups, or age group or gender). Cross-tabs is even more impossible of these variables. With the information of language spoken (or some other useful info) at small geographical area such as suburb (also from Census), we may be able to design targeted approach.
Also, the DHBs and the health sector need to know the annual progress of smoking, so that strategies or actions can be adjusted based on the progress, so the pooled data of more than one year may not be very helpful in this regard.
Census gives us everything we need even though it is 5 years apart.
So keep the smoking question as we need it for making NZ free of smoking by 2025!
Tom (facilitator) Thu 30 Apr 2015 10:52PM
Hi Lifeng, thanks for taking the plunge sharing your thoughts!
Max Dillon Coyle Fri 1 May 2015 12:05AM
Hi Tom, I find it incongruous that we ask questions around cigarette smoking but not other drug use. Can we please expand this to include questions on whether you have used the following drugs; Alcohol, Caffeine, Cannabis, Heroin, Paracetamol, Synthetic Cannabis etc, how often and how recently.
Also how much people smoke is important as well, and how they smoke it. As an occasional pipe smoker, smoking of tobacco in cigars, pipes, and cigarillos must be included. In regards to how much, someone who smokes 1-2 cigarettes per day or only while drinking on the weekend or a pack a day is incredibly important to understand the makeup of NZ's smokers. Lumping a pack a day person in with someone who smokes 2 on the weekend is illogical.
Tom (facilitator) Fri 1 May 2015 12:17AM
Thanks for commenting Max. It would be great to hear what @lifengzhou1 thinks about expanding the scope of the smoking question and/or including other substances
Derek Robson Fri 1 May 2015 1:25AM
I agree that more questions about other drug usage would be good.
there are no real numbers about us of cannabis.
Lifeng Zhou Fri 1 May 2015 1:58AM
The MoH did some survey on alcohol and drug use in 2007/08 :'The 2007/08 New Zealand Alcohol and Drug Use Survey (NZADUS)', which measured self-reported alcohol and drug use in the New Zealand adult population (http://www.health.govt.nz/nz-health-statistics/national-collections-and-surveys/surveys/current-recent-surveys/alcohol-and-drug-use-survey).
Drug and alcohol use also leads to huge health loss (measured by early deaths and life years people living with disability). I think then the question is 1) if the national survey (if it is held again soon and what's the frequency) can still meet our needs for data; 2) any subsequent organised efforts committed by the government and the communities; 3) the effectiveness of the proposed efforts/interventions; 4) the significance of the alcohol and drug issue recognised by the government; 5) the feasibility, validity and reliability of having these questions in a census (everyone). Also are there any other countries who have included it or intend to do so?
Smoking is a tier 1 statistic and there is already a mandate.
Max Dillon Coyle Fri 1 May 2015 10:02AM
I think self reported gives a large skew to the data leading to more users of particular drugs than others being included.
To say that all drug use leads to early deaths and disabilities is incorrect when referring to some drugs, for instance cannabis, LSD and ecstasy. Results would be of worldwide interest and could lead to other countries measuring the metric in their own census, providing excellent data for researchers.
insure as to how the validity would be diminished by having the questions in the census, any more so than having questions in cigarette smoking in the census.
Stuart K Laing Sat 2 May 2015 5:04AM
If there were questions in the census in regards to illegal drug use do you believe that responses would be truly factual.
You indicate that you believe self reporting skews the figures in regards to the drugs being used, would this no also happen with in the Census as the Census could be seen to be an example of self reporting.
I understand your desire to get accurate figures in regards to use so as to collate them to harm figures but how will their accuracy be determined.
I am sure no body worries about answering the question do you have a refrigerator or do you smoke and if so how many, but to ask do you use illegal substances and if so what and how often may be a questions that some users would not response to truthfully.
Max Dillon Coyle Sun 3 May 2015 9:06PM
Their accuracy will be determined as the rest of the stats accuracy is determined. Census answers are largely anonymous once they're being reviewed, most drug users are happy to assist stats collection on usage etc as evinced by the MoH study. Including it in Census ensures that the opportunity to input is available to all NZ'ers.
Tom (facilitator) · Thu 30 Apr 2015 1:05AM
Kia ora and welcome! My name is Tom and I work for Statistics NZ. I'm here to make sure that we have a fantastic discussion on smoking and the census. Click here to introduce yourself on the welcome and introductions page.
What do you think? Do you think there is a big enough need to include a question about smoking in Census 2018?