News Release
1999-12
January 20, 1999
National Health Survey provides updated information about smoking behaviours in Canada
OTTAWA - To mark "Weedless Wednesday", Health Canada has released new data on smoking derived from a 1996-1997 Statistics Canada survey. The survey shows that smoking decreased slightly among Canadians aged 15 and over between 1994-95 and 1996-97, from 31% to 29%. However, more than 329,000 Canadians aged 15 and over started smoking for the first time between 1994-95 and 1996-97 and about 618,000 former smokers began smoking again.
The National Population Health Survey (NPHS) is a study of more than 20,000 Canadian households. It is conducted every two years to gather information on health, including health behaviour, use of health services and socio-demographic data, in order to gain a broader perspective on how these factors combine to affect our health.
The summary findings in the "Smoking Behaviour of Canadians" include:
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An estimated 29% of youth aged 15 to 19 were current smokers in 1996/97 (27% of males and 31% of females).
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Seventy percent of those who started smoking between 1994/95 and 1996/97 were between the ages of 15 and 25.
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8% of 12-14 year olds surveyed in 1996/97 smoked.
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Between 1994/95 and 1996/97, more than 329,000 Canadians aged 15 and over (4%) started smoking for the first time, citing stress and the smoking behaviour of others as their main reasons for starting.
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More than 6.5 million Canadians over 15 years old smoked an average of 18 cigarettes daily in 1996/1997.
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Nearly one half of all daily smokers said they intended to quit smoking in the next six months. However, only 4% of the 2.3 million who had changed their smoking status since the previous survey period succeeded in quitting.
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Most Canadians surveyed, both smokers and non-smokers, believe that smoking causes health problems in smokers, such as lung cancer, heart problems, stroke and respiratory problems.
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A strong majority of Canadians, including 70% of smokers, also believe that second hand smoke can cause health concerns, yet a third of all Canadian children under 12 were regularly exposed to second hand smoke in their homes.
These results will provide researchers and legislators with information regarding health issues to assist them in decision-making.
Additional highlight reports may be developed to provide descriptive information related to other issues covered by the NPHS, such as alcohol, physical activity, injuries, stress, medications, depression, preventive health practices, sexual health, social support, health status, and access to services.
Media Inquiries
Derek Kent
Office of Allan Rock
(613) 957-1515
Public Inquiries
(613) 957-2991
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