To monitor public opinions about tobacco control and help develop appropriate health promotion strategies, respondents in the 2012 Health and Lifestyles Survey (HLS) answered a few questions on their awareness of ‘Smokefree 2025’, and their opinions about the government’s role.
Methodology
To regularly monitor public opinions about tobacco control and aid the development of appropriate health promotion strategies, respondents in the 2012 Health and Lifestyles Survey (HLS) answered a few questions on their awareness of ‘Smokefree 2025’, and their opinions about the government’s role in reducing smoking harm and the availability of tobacco. Responses to these questions were compared by smoking status (current smokers: those who smoked at least monthly, ex-smokers, and never smokers), ethnicity, neighbourhood deprivation status, age, gender, and educational background. Statistically significant differences by group (p < .05) are reported.
Key Results
- Around four in 10 New Zealand adults were aware of the government’s ‘Smokefree 2025’ goal.
- Younger people or those who did not have a formal qualification were less likely to be aware of this goal.
- A majority of New Zealand adults showed agreement that the government should do more in reducing smoking harm (66%) or to take action to reduce the availability of cigarettes and tobacco (72%). Different response patterns by smoking status and ethnicity were found. (see Figures 2 and 3)