Smoking Rate
Definition
Smoking rate measures the percentage of people (ages 12+) who reported they were currently a “daily smoker,” or “occasional smoker.” This indicator does not include vaping.
Why This Matters
Smoking is an important health indicator, as “smoking is the leading cause of premature death in Canada” (Statistics Canada, 2012), and is a risk factor for serious conditions like lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other conditions (Statistics Canada 2013). Estimates suggest that “smoking accounts for between 6 per cent and 15 per cent of total annual healthcare costs in high-income countries like Canada” (Statistics Canada, 2012).
Measurement and Limitations
The smoking rate measures the percentage of people who self-report on the Canadian Community Health Survey as “daily smoker,” “occasional daily smoker who previously was a daily smoker,” or “always an occasional smoker.” Since the sample size was small, data are only reported at the city level. This does not include vaping.
Data are reported for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA). It should be noted that 2012 data use new boundaries from previous years’ data-the former Churchill Regional Health Authority (RHA) has been integrated into the WRHA. The Churchill RHA has a very small population (approximately 1,000 individuals), but may have affected the figures somewhat.
Data Source
Statistics Canada. Table 13-10-0113-01 Health characteristics, two-year period estimates
Statistics Canada. Table 13-10-0452-01 Health indicators, two-year period estimates
Data is updated on Peg as it becomes available from the data providers.
References
Manitoba Centre for Health Policy. (2009). Manitoba RHA indicators atlas 2009. Retrieved fromhttp://mchp-appserv.cpe.umanitoba.ca/reference/RHA_Atlas_Report.pdf
Statistics Canada. (2012). Health at a glance: Current smoking trends. Retrieved from http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-624-x/2012001/article/11676-eng.htm
Statistics Canada. (2013). Smoking, 2011. Retrieved fromhttp://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-625-x/2012001/article/11668-eng.htm
Smoking Rate in the Sustainable Development Goals
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3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well-being for all at all ages is essential to sustainable development. Significant strides have been made in increasing life expectancy and reducing some of the common killers associated with child and maternal mortality. Major progress has been made on increasing access to clean water and sanitation, reducing malaria, tuberculosis, polio and the spread of HIV/AIDS. However, many more efforts are needed to fully eradicate a wide range of diseases and address many different persistent and emerging health issues.