Cigarette smoking by New Zealand doctors and nurses: results from the 1996 population census

To determine the prevalence of cigarette smoking among New Zealand doctors and nurses and to examine intercensal trends in smoking behaviour.

The 1996 New Zealand population census included two questions on cigarette smoking. The data for doctors and nurses have been analysed and compared with results from the 1976 and 1981 censuses.

There were 7335 doctor respondents and 30,507 nurses. Five percent of male and female doctors smoke cigarettes regularly compared with 15% in 1981, 20% in 1976 and 35% in 1963. Almost 90% of doctors aged less than 30 years have never smoked and reductions in smoking have occurred in all specialties. Eighteen percent of nurses (18% females, 27% males) are smokers compared with 31% of females and 39% of males in 1981. The highest prevalence is among psychiatric nurses (31%) while only 10% of midwives and Plunket nurses are smokers.

Doctors continue to lead the New Zealand community in non-smoking and the goal of a smokefree medical profession by the year 2000 may be achievable. In contrast to 1981, the prevalence of smoking by female nurses (18%) is now less than women in the general New Zealand population (23%). Substantial reductions in smoking have occurred in all categories of the nursing profession.