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

Current smoking, youth (15–19 years)
In 2009, 18.0% (14.9–21.2) of youth aged 15–19 years were current smokers, and
16.0% (12.8–19.2) were daily smokers. There were no significant differences by sex for
current or daily smoking.
Among youth, Māori females (47.1%, 33.4–60.7) had a much higher current smoking
prevalence than Māori males (29.2%, 16.7–44.5), but this difference was not significant.
In 2009, the median age that 15–19-year-old ever smokers reported having had their
first cigarette was 13.4 years. Ever smokers are defined as people who have ever
smoked cigarettes or tobacco at all (including cigars and pipes), even just a few puffs.
Of all current smokers aged 15–19 years, 92.7% (87.5–97.8) had at least one family
member 8 who smoked. In comparison, significantly fewer non-smokers had at least
one family member who smoked (57.3%, 51.3–63.2).
Current smoking in youth, by ethnic group
Table 4 shows the proportion of youth aged 15–19 years who are current smokers, by
ethnic group.
Table 4:
Current smoking in youth aged 15–19 years, by ethnic group, 2009 (unadjusted
prevalence)
Ethnic group Prevalence (95% CI) Estimated number
European/Other 16.9 (13.0–20.8) 38,100
Māori 38.2 (28.8–47.5) 19,700
Pacific 26.9 (15.7–40.7) 7400
Asian 4.2 (0.1–22.2) 1500
Source: 2009 New Zealand Tobacco Use Survey
Note: Total response ethnicity has been used.
8
‘Family member’ includes the respondent’s mother, father, brothers/sisters and other family members,
regardless of where they live.
22 Tobacco Use in New Zealand