Social Group Trends in Smoking in Wales, 1985–1993

Abstract

Socio-economic differentials in mortality in Great Britain are well documented. Although their causes are diverse and not fully understood (1), it is recognised that behavioural factors, including smoking, are important contributors to mortality risk and its variation between social groups. Since 1972, the General Household Survey has provided data on the prevalence of regular smoking by social group for adults in Great Britain aged 16 and over. These data show that over the period 1972–1992 there was a decrease in smoking prevalence which among men occurred equally in those in manual and non-manual groups, while among women the decrease was more marked in the non-manual groups (2). In 1992, the prevalence of regular smoking in Great Britain was approximately 12% higher in manual (35%) than non-manual (23%) social groups. In Wales, it has been recognised that many of the most important factors influencing the health of its 3 million population relate to the lifestyles of individuals (3). As such, policies and programmes designed to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce the prevalence of health damaging behaviours form a key component in the health improvement strategy for Wales (4). Since 17.1% of deaths in Wales are estimated to be attributable to smoking (5), the reduction of smoking prevalence is a key target in that strategy, and has been a focus of activity since the launch of Heartbeat Wales in 1985 (6). Progress against many health improvement targets is being monitored through regular lifestyle surveys known as the Health In Wales Surveys, the most recent of which took place in 1993. These surveys build upon the 1985 Heartbeat Wales Survey, which provided baseline measures. This paper presents findings from the 1985 and 1993 surveys, and concentrates on the pattern of and changes in prevalence of daily smoking by social group.