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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Performance Framework - Summary report

Tobacco use

Smoking is a major risk factor for cancer, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory disease – in 2018, it accounted for 37% of the burden due to cancer, 34% of the burden due to cardiovascular disease, and 47% of the burden due to respiratory disease (AIHW 2022). Overall, 12% of the total disease burden experienced by First Nations people in 2018 was attributed to tobacco use.

The proportion of First Nations people aged 15 and over who smoke every day has fallen substantially over the past decade, from 45% (about 145,800 people) in 2008 to 37% (200,400) in 2018–19. The largest falls in daily smoking rates have occurred among younger First Nations people and those living in non-remote areas (Figure 5.11)

In 2018–19, 85% of First Nations people aged 15–17 reported that they had never smoked, compared with 72% in 2008.

Figure 5.11: First Nations people aged 15 and over who were current daily smokers, by age group (2008 and 2018–19), and by remoteness (2008 to 2018–19)

The first chart shows that the proportion of daily smokers for First Nations people was lower in 2018-19 than in 2008 for people aged 15 to 54, and it was slightly higher for people aged 55 and over. The highest proportion of daily smokers in 2018-19 was in the 35-44 age group (47%). The line chart shows that the proportion of daily smokers for First Nations people in non-remote area decreased from 43% in 2008 to 35% in 2018-19, while in remote areas, the proportion was stayed around 49% from 2008 to 2018-19.

Source: Measure 2.15, Table D2.15.4 – AIHW and ABS analysis of National Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Social Survey 2008, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey 2012–13 and National Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Health Survey 2018–19.

In 2014–15, general health (73%) and cost (56%) were reported as the two main reasons of quitting or reducing smoking by First Nations people aged 15 and over who tried to quit or reduce smoking in the past 12 months (Table 5.4).

Table 5.4: Reasons First Nations people aged 15 and over tried to quit or reduce smoking, 2014–15 (proportion of those who tried to quit or reduce smoking in last 12 months)

 Reason

Per cent

General health

73

Cost       

56

To improve fitness 

31

Encouraged by family or friends to quit or reduce

27

Medical advice

17

Concerned about effect on others in household

16

Source: Measure 2.15, Table D2.15.11 – AIHW and ABS analysis of National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey 2014–15.

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