UNIVERSITY of Newcastle researchers are calling for more targeted pushes for smokers to quit among those most vulnerable to nicotene addiction.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A discussion paper in Monday’s Medical Journal of Australia highlights the need for more focus on groups susceptible to addiction, as well as more comprehensive research.
Lead researcher Professor Billie Bonevski, an affiliate of the Hunter Medical Research Institute based at Newcastle’s Calvary Mater hospital, said targeting tobacco control measures could work.
“Groups at greater risk include those of lower socio-economic status, individuals with poor mental health, those incarcerated and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders,” Professor Bonevski said.
“Tobacco use is also 1.7 times greater in remote areas of Australia than major cities.
“We know from past research that this dependency comes down to factors such as heavier nicotine dependence, reduced access to and use of aids to help them quit, cultural norms and social pressures.
Professor Bonevski said 14 per cent of Australians are smokers, compared to 31 per cent in 1986.
He said the next step was a more tailored approach that could reach groups being left behind in a much more effective way.
“Although making headway, we really have to address that there isn’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach,” Professor Bonevski said.
“The number of smokers may have dropped Australia-wide, but we know that numbers are still problematic or have risen in populations at greater risk.”