Tobacco smoking by Occupation in Australia: results from the 2004 to 2005 National Health Survey

Abstract

Objective:

This study presents the most recent estimates of Australia’s national tobacco smoking rates by occupation.

Methods:

Smoking data was extracted from the 2004 to 2005 National Health Survey, which captured approximately 26,000 persons and achieved a response rate of around 90%. Participants were limited to those of working age (18 to 64 years), with data stratified by job category and gender during the analysis.

Results:

The prevalence of smoking among Australian workers is estimated to be 25% (28% among males and 21% among females). Tobacco usage is considerably less common among those who are employed compared with the unemployed. By job category, smoking was most common among laborers and the least common among professionals, managers, or administrators.

Conclusions:

Overall, this study suggests that Australian rates of tobacco smoking vary widely depending on occupation. Effective tobacco-control strategies targeting vulnerable sections of the workforce, particularly blue-collar workers, are clearly needed.