Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 49(4):437-445, APR 2007
DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0b013e3180430134
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PMID: 17426527
Issn Print: 1076-2752
Publication Date: 2007/04/01
Tobacco Smoking by Occupation in Australia: Results from the 2004 to 2005 National Health Survey
Derek Smith;Peter Leggat;
+ Author Information
From the International Centre for Research Promotion and Informatics, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Kawasaki, Japan (Dr Smith); and the Anton Breinl Centre for Public Health and Tropical Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia (Dr Smith, Dr Leggat).
Abstract
This study presents the most recent estimates of Australia’s national tobacco smoking rates by occupation.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.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.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.
