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

Quit smoking for at least 24 hours in the past 12 months
Nearly 4 in 10 current and casual smokers (38.4%, 35.5–41.3) had quit for more than 24
hours in the past 12 months. There were found to be no significant differences by sex,
ethnic group, or neighbourhood deprivation, after adjusting for age.
Among current and casual smokers, 16.1% (13.7–18.5) had quit for more than 24 hours
once in the past 12 months, 8.0% (6.1–9.8) twice, 3.2% (2.1–4.3) three times and
10.6% (8.5–12.6) four or more times. The median number of times current and casual
smokers had quit for more than 24 hours in the past 12 months was two.
Quit smoking for at least 24 hours in the past 12 months, by age group
In general, older current and casual smokers were less likely than their younger
counterparts to have quit smoking for at least 24 hours in the past 12 months. Current
and casual smokers aged 60–64 years were significantly less likely to have quit for
more than 24 hours in the past 12 months than those aged 15–19, 20–24, 25–29 and
30–39 years (p-values < 0.05) (Figure 28).
Figure 28: Quit smoking for at least 24 hours in the past 12 months, among current and
casual smokers aged 15–64 years, by age group, 2009 (unadjusted prevalence)
60
Percent
50
40
30
20
10
0
44.9 40.0 41.8 40.4 36.9 33.7 21.8
15–19 20–24 25–29 30–39 40–49 50–59 60–64
Age group (years)
Source: 2009 New Zealand Tobacco Use Survey
Tobacco Use in New Zealand 45