Region's smoking habits revealed
20 November 2009
Tobacco smoking is the single largest preventable cause of premature death and morbidity in Australia. Across the nation, tobacco smoking accounts for about 15,500 deaths each year and represents an estimated annual cost of $31.5 billion to the public health system.
Tobacco smoking trends across the Hunter New England Health region have been highlighted as part of the latest HEALTHeRESOURCE Health Behaviour Overview which is now available online at www.healtheresource.com.au .
The HEALTHeRESOURCE website provides access to health related data for the Hunter New England Health region (incorporating the Hunter, New England and Lower Mid North Coast) on topics such as demography, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, health status, health related behaviours and much more.
The tobacco smoking overview highlights important information about the reported prevalence of tobacco smoking across the Hunter New England Health and investigates reported tobacco smoking by age and gender.
The overview reveals that:
- Reported prevalence of tobacco smoking across the HNE Health region decreased from 25.5 per cent in 1997 to 19.9 per cent in 2008.
- In 2008 nearly 1 in 5 persons (19.9 per cent) over the aged of 16 years across the HNE Health region continued to smoke tobacco, compared to the state wide prevalence of 18.4 per cent.
- In 2008 more HNE Health region males reported smoking tobacco (19.7 per cent) than females (18.8 per cent)
- In 2008 HNE Health region residents aged 25-34 years old had the highest prevalence of tobacco smoking (28.9 per cent), followed by 35-44 year olds (28 per cent).
Acting Director of Surveillance and Monitoring, Hunter New England Population Health Todd Heard said it was great to see there has been a reduction in the reported rates of tobacco smoking across the area over the last couple of years, but a further reduction is required.
Men and persons aged 25-44 years in particular are encouraged to quit smoking. The sooner they quit, the sooner they will realise the related health benefits.
Planning makes a big difference to your chances of a successful quit attempt, and making a quit plan is easy – there are a few simple steps to follow, which include:
- Set a date: Decide on a day to quit
- Get organised: Write a list of reasons for quitting, and develop a plan for how to avoid smoking triggers
- Use Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): Using NRT patches, gum or lozenge is a smart move and can double your chances of succeeding. Your doctor can also advise you about prescription medications to help you quit
- Get support: Ask your family, friends and work mates to help you quit smoking – better yet, ask a friend to quit with you and support each other through the process
- Call the Quitline: The NSW Quitline (137 848) now offers a free telephone support service to help you during your quit attempt. You can also visit the quit website www.quitcoach.org.au
To find the tobacco smoking Health Behaviour Overview document on the HEALTHeRESOURCE website, go to www.healtheresource.com.au or the homepage of the Hunter New England Health website at www.hnehealth.nsw.gov.au
Contact: Communication Unit
Phone: 02 4985 5522