New Zealand's tobacco control programme 1985-1998

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Tobacco Control Policy

Background:

• New Zealand implemented a comprehensive tobacco control program between 1985 and 1998.
• Key interventions included eliminating tobacco advertising and reducing cigarette affordability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of New Zealand's tobacco control program on smoking prevalence and consumption.
• To assess the potential for further reductions in tobacco use.

Main Methods:

• A country case study design was employed, comparing New Zealand's outcomes with 23 OECD countries.
• Interventions such as advertising bans and taxation were analyzed.
• Reductions in adult smoking prevalence and per capita tobacco consumption were the primary outcome measures.

Main Results:

• Adult smoking prevalence decreased by 17% (from 30% to 25%), and tobacco consumption per adult fell by 45% between 1985 and 1998.
• New Zealand demonstrated faster reductions in per capita tobacco consumption than other OECD countries.
• While overall progress was significant, increases in youth smoking were observed in specific age groups.

Conclusions:

• New Zealand's tobacco control program significantly reduced tobacco consumption, primarily by decreasing consumption per smoker.
• Further reductions are feasible with continued political support, taxation, and retail display bans.
• The program averted an estimated 1400 deaths between 1985 and 1996.