How has the prevalence of cigarette smoking changed among Australian adults? Trends in smoking prevalence between 1980 and 2001.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine trends in the prevalence of cigarette smoking between 1980 and 2001 among several different sociodemographic groups within the Australian population. METHOD: National cross sectional surveys conducted by face to face interview every 3 years from 1980. Respondents were classified into five age groups and the occupation of respondents in the workforce were classified into one of upper or lower white collar or upper or lower blue collar. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Prevalence of smoking at least weekly. RESULTS: The prevalence of smoking in 2001 was lower than that found in 1980 and this was true for all sociodemographic groups. Among adults smoking prevalence decreased from 35%..