10 Mar 2010

Smoking across the Island
The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) in Northern Ireland, report that tobacco is responsible for approximately 2,300 deaths each year. Figures from the Department of Health and Children estimate that smoking is the cause of approximately 7,000 deaths in the Republic of Ireland each year, chiefly by illnesses such as lung cancer, heart disease, stroke and emphysema.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death, and is estimated to kill more than 5 million people each year worldwide. If current trends persist, tobacco will kill more than 8 million people worldwide each year by the year 2030, with 80% of these premature deaths in low- and middle-income countries.

Northern Ireland
The Central Survey Unit (CSU) through its Continuous Household Survey 2008/09 (CHS) has reported smoking prevalence rates of 24% for adults and 30% for manual workers.

The Health and Social Wellbeing survey 2005/06 conducted by CSU showed that:

•    The prevalence of cigarette smoking was highest in the 25-34 age group (35%) and lowest amongst those aged 75 or above (7%).
•    13% of smokers smoked an average of 25 or more cigarettes a day. Men who smoke were more likely than women to be heavy smokers, 17% and 10% respectively.

Northern Ireland Health Minister Mr Michael McGimpsey today reflected on the success of the Tobacco Action Plan - read his statement here

Republic of Ireland
SLÁN 2007 was the third national Survey of Lifestyle, Attitudes and Nutrition (SLÁN) in Ireland and was conducted through face-to- face interviews in the homes of over 10,000 randomly selected adults, aged 18 years and older. As part of the SLÁN 2007 survey, respondents were asked about previous and current smoking behaviour, attempts to quit (current smokers only) and rules regarding smoking in the home.

•    Almost half of all respondents to SLÁN 2007 had smoked cigarettes at some point in their lives and 29% reported being current smokers.
•    While more men than women smoked in 2007 (31% compared to 27%), more men than women had succeeded in quitting (23% compared to 16%).  
•    Those who smoked were 2-3 times more likely than those who did not smoke to report psychological distress or to be assessed as having a generalised anxiety disorder.

Comparison of smoking in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
The report ‘One Island – One Lifestyle?’ Health and lifestyles in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland’ compared the population surveys SLÁN 2007 and NIHSWS 2005/06.

•    The report found that a significantly higher percentage of respondents in the Republic of Ireland (29%) were current smokers compared to Northern Ireland (26%).
•    A higher percentage of men in the Republic of Ireland were current smokers (31%) compared to Northern Ireland (26%).
•    The percentage of women smoking was the same in both jurisdictions (27%).
•    Smoking was more prevalent in lower social classes in both jurisdictions, with over one-third of respondents in lower social classes being current smokers (RoI: 37%; NI: 36%).
•    Regarding smoking cessation, one-third of smokers in the Republic of Ireland (34%) had received advice from a doctor or health professional on quitting smoking in the last 12 months. In Northern Ireland, more than half of smokers had been advised by a GP or health professional to give up smoking at some point in the past (58%).
•    Respondents in lower social classes in the Republic of Ireland were significantly more likely than those in higher social classes to have been advised to quit smoking, while there were no social class differences in Northern Ireland.

The following 10-point programme has been identified by WHO for successful tobacco control:
•    Protection for children from becoming addicted to tobacco.
•    Use of fiscal policies to discourage the use of tobacco, such as tobacco taxes that increase faster than the growth in prices and income.
•    Use a portion of the money raised from tobacco taxes to finance other tobacco control and health promotion measures.
•    Health promotion, health education and smoking cessation programmes. Health workers and institutions set an example by being smoke-free.
•    Protection from involuntary exposure to passive smoking/environmental tobacco smoke (ETS).
•    Elimination of socio-economic, behavioural and other incentives which maintain and promote use of tobacco.
•    Elimination of direct and indirect tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.
•    Controls on tobacco products, including prominent health warnings on tobacco products and any remaining advertisements; limits on and mandatory reporting of toxic constituents in tobacco products and tobacco smoke.
•    Promotion of economic alternatives to tobacco growing and manufacturing.
•    Effective management, monitoring and evaluation of tobacco issues.