Young adults are defined here as people between the age of 18 and 39 years.
1.4.1 Latest estimates of prevalence of smoking among young adults
The Australian 2022–23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey examined smoking prevalence among young adults,1 as shown in Table 1.4.1 by age group and gender. People aged 30–39 years were significantly more likely to report regularly smoking than those aged 18–24 years (controlling for gender). Among 25–29 and 30–39-year-olds, men were significantly more likely to regularly smoke than women.2
The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ National Health Survey also collects data on smoking status among Australians aged 15 years and over. In 2022, the prevalence of daily smoking among 18–24-year-olds was 7.3%, and 11.1% currently smoked. Among 25–34-year-olds, 10.9% smoked daily and 12.9% reported current smoking.3
1.4.2 Trends in smoking prevalence among young adults
Table 1.4.2 shows the prevalence of regular smoking from the AIHW’s National Drug Strategy Household Survey for men and women in three age groups spanning young adulthood, between 1998 and 2022–2023—see also Figure 1.5.1. The prevalence of regular smoking has substantially declined over time for both genders in all age groups, and in 2022–2023 was significantly lower than in each of the prior survey years. Differences in smoking prevalence between young adult age groups have varied over time; in 1998, 30–39-year-olds were less likely to smoke than 18–24-year-olds, but this pattern had reversed in 2022–23 (i.e., 30–39-year-olds were more likely to smoke than 18–24-year-olds).2 For a discussion of patterns over time between all age groups, see Section 1.5.
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References
1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2022–2023. Canberra: AIHW, 2024. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey
2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. National Drug Strategy Household Survey, 2022-2023. ADA Dataverse, 2024. Available from: https://doi.org/10.26193/U6LY7H.
3. Australian Bureau of Statistics. National Health Survey. 2022. Available from: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/national-health-survey/2022