Key findings from the 2009 New Zealand ... - Ministry of Health

This analysis illustrates that the NZTUS estimates of total current smokers are about
5% below a full population estimate. Consequently, the number of current smokers
aged 15–64 years in New Zealand (private and non-private dwellings) in 2009 is
estimated to be 605,796.
Note that similar calculations cannot be used to estimate the number of people affected
by other smoking-related outcomes, because the relevant questions are not asked in
the census.
Current smoking, by age group
The prevalence of current smoking increased with age until 20–24 years for females
and until 25–29 years for males, after which it declined (Figure 4). The lowest
prevalences were in the 50–64-year-old age groups.
In the 25–29 years age group, males were significantly more likely to be current
smokers than females (p-value < 0.05). There were no significant differences by sex in
the other age groups.
Figure 4:
Current smoking among 15–64-year-olds, by age group and sex, 2009 (unadjusted
prevalence)
60
50
Percent
Males
Females
40
30
20
10
0
16.9 19.1 30.1 31.2 33.4 21.1 22.5 21.5 22.6 22.3 18.6 14.0 10.6 11.2
15–19 20–24 25–29 30–39 40–49 50–59 60–64
Age group (years)
Source: 2009 New Zealand Tobacco Use Survey
16 Tobacco Use in New Zealand