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Can population-based tobacco-control policies change smoking behaviors of adolescents from all socio-economic groups? Findings from Australia: 1987–2005

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Abstract

Objective

To examine whether socio-economic status (SES) was associated with changes in smoking prevalence among Australian adolescents during three phases of tobacco-control activity between 1987 and 2005.

Methods

Triennial cross-sectional national studies of representative random samples of secondary students aged 12–17 years have been conducted since 1987. Numbers range from 19,203 in 1987 to 29,853 in 1996. Self-report anonymous surveys assessed cigarette use in the past month, week (current), and on at least three of the previous seven days (committed). Students’ residential postcode was collected and the Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage (IRSD) associated with each postcode determined SES quartiles.

Results

Between 1987 and 2005, smoking prevalence decreased in all SES groups. Tobacco-control activity level was associated with changes in smoking prevalence and whether changes were consistent across SES groups. In a period of low tobacco-control funding (1992–1996) and activity, smoking prevalence increased among 12- to 15-year-olds, the increase being greatest among low SES students. In a period of high tobacco-control activity (1997–2005) smoking decreased and reductions were generally consistent across SES groups.

Conclusions

Well-funded, population-based tobacco-control programs can be effective in reducing smoking among students from all SES groups.

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Acknowledgments

Funding for data collection for the different surveys used in this article was made available from the following organizations: The Cancer Council Victoria, The Cancer Council South Australia, The Cancer Council Tasmania, The Cancer Council NSW, The Cancer Council Northern Territory, The Cancer Council Queensland, The Cancer Council ACT, Department of Human Services Victoria, The NSW Health Department, The Department of Health Western Australia, Northern Territory Government Department of Health and Community Services, Queensland Education Department, Queensland Health, ACT Health, Drug and Alcohol Services Council SA, Health Department of Tasmania, and the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.

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Correspondence to Victoria M. White.

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White, V.M., Hayman, J. & Hill, D.J. Can population-based tobacco-control policies change smoking behaviors of adolescents from all socio-economic groups? Findings from Australia: 1987–2005. Cancer Causes Control 19, 631–640 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10552-008-9127-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10552-008-9127-8

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