The Influence of Race, Religion, Occupation and Other Social Factors on Cigarette Smoking in New Zealand

Abstract

Hay DR (National Heart Foundation of New Zealand, Princess Margaret Hospital, Christchurch 2, New Zealand) and Foster FH. The influence of race, religion, occupation and other social factors on cigerette smoking in New Zealand.International Journal of Epidemiology 1981, 10: 41–43. 97% of the New Zealand population 15 years and over (2.1 million persons) responded to a question on cigarette smoking in the 1976 population census. 38% of New Zealand men and 30% of women other than Maoris or Pacific Islanders were cigarette smokers. 56% of Maori men and 59% of Maori women smoked regularly; the corresponding figures for Pacific Islanders, a relatively recent migrant population, were 46% and 24%. In all age groups more Maoris smoked than non—maoris. More than two-thirds of Maori women aged 20–24 were smokers. Cigarette consumption rates were high; half the men and over one third of the women smokers smoked more than 20 cigarettes a day. Smoking was higher then expected among Roman Catholics and among those who objected to stating their religion. Those who were divorced or separated had smoking rates 38% to 56% higher than expected. Smoking was inversely related to the level of education attained. Those in the professions were least likely to be smokers (average 27%) whereas at least half those in tabouring or unskilled occupation were smokers.