Cigarette & Vapes Smoking Statistics in Australia: 2023 Figures

In recent years, smoking has been a growing public health concern in Australia. As the government and health organizations continue to work towards reducing smoking rates, it’s essential to understand the current state of smoking in the country. This blog post will delve into cigarette and vape smoking statistics in Australia, discussing the latest figures and trends in smoking behavior.

Category	Statistic
Adult daily smokers (2023)	13.8%
Male daily smokers (2023)	15.3%
Female daily smokers (2023)	12.3%
Adult e-cigarette users (2023)	3.4%
Male e-cigarette users (2023)	4.2%
Female e-cigarette users (2023)	2.6%
Economic cost of smoking (annual)	AUD 136.9 billion

Overview of Smoking in Australia

• Prevalence of smoking in the adult population
• Changes in smoking rates over time
• Gender differences in smoking rates
• Differences among age groups

Prevalence of Smoking in the Adult Population

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), in 2021-2023, around 13% of the adult population aged 18 years and over were smokers. This equates to approximately 2.4 million Australian adults. The proportion of daily smokers has been on a steady decline since 2001 when it was around 22.4%.

Changes in Smoking Rates Over Time

The decline in smoking rates can be attributed to several factors, including:

• Increased awareness of the health risks associated with smoking
• Strict tobacco control policies and regulations
• Higher tobacco prices due to increased taxes
• Public health campaigns and anti-smoking initiatives

Gender Differences in Smoking Rates

The smoking rates among males and females in Australia have shown notable differences. In 2021, 15.3% of males and 12.3% of females were daily smokers. While the gap between the genders has been narrowing, males continue to have higher smoking rates.

Differences Among Age Groups

Smoking rates also vary across different age groups, with the highest prevalence observed among those aged 25-29 years (19.7%) and the lowest among those aged 65 and over (5.2%). However, there has been a steady decline in smoking rates among all age groups over the past two decades.

Vaping in Australia

• Prevalence of vaping in the population
• Changes in vaping rates over time
• Age and gender differences in vaping rates

Prevalence of Vaping in the Population

In Australia, vaping has gained popularity as an alternative to traditional tobacco products. In 2021, around 3.4% of the adult population were current e-cigarette users, equating to approximately 640,000 Australians.

Changes in Vaping Rates Over Time

Vaping rates have seen significant fluctuations in recent years. Between 2016 and 2019, the proportion of adults who had ever tried e-cigarettes increased from 9.2% to 11.3%. However, since then, there has been a slight decrease in vaping prevalence.

Age and Gender Differences in Vaping Rates

Younger adults tend to have higher vaping rates, with the highest prevalence observed among those aged 18-24 years (8.1%). Additionally, vaping rates are higher among males (4.2%) compared to females (2.6%).

Implications of Smoking and Vaping Statistics

• Health consequences of smoking and vaping
• The economic burden of smoking
• Future trends and projections

Health Consequences of Smoking and Vaping

Smoking remains a leading cause of preventable death and disease in Australia. It is responsible for more than 20,000 deaths annually and increases the risk of various health conditions, including lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. While vaping is considered less harmful than smoking, long-term health effects are still not fully understood.

The Economic Burden of Smoking

Smoking not only impacts public health but also imposes a significant economic burden on Australia. According to the AIHW, tobacco use costs the nation around AUD 136.9 billion annually. This includes direct healthcare costs, loss of productivity, and other social costs related to smoking.

Future Trends and Projections

With continued efforts to implement effective tobacco control policies and increased awareness of the health risks associated with smoking, it is expected that smoking rates will continue to decline in the coming years. However, as the popularity of e-cigarettes and vaping grows, it is crucial to closely monitor their impact on public health and adjust policies accordingly.

In conclusion, understanding smoking and vaping statistics in Australia is crucial for developing effective public health policies and strategies to reduce tobacco use. The data shows that smoking rates have been decreasing in recent years, while vaping has gained popularity. It is essential to continue monitoring these trends and their impact on public health to create a healthier future for all Australians.

FAQs

How many Australians smoke cigarettes? In 2023, approximately 10.8% of Australian adults (2.3 million people) were daily smokers.

Are more Australians turning to e-cigarettes and vaping? Yes, vaping has become more popular in recent years, with around 3.4% of Australian adults (640,000 people) using e-cigarettes in 2021.

How much does smoking cost Australia’s economy? Smoking is estimated to cost Australia around AUD 136.9 billion annually, including direct healthcare costs, loss of productivity, and other social costs.

What are the health risks associated with smoking? Smoking is a leading cause of preventable death and disease, increasing the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and various other health conditions.

Is vaping less harmful than smoking? Unfortunately there is not enough data on this claim since the long-term health effects of vaping are still not fully understood.