Why is this National Indicator important?
Smoking has an enormous influence on the health of people in Scotland. Despite recent reductions in smoking levels, and early evidence of the positive impact this has in people's health, there are still relatively high levels of smoking in Scotland, particularly amongst certain groups of individuals. It is particularly important to reduce levels of smoking amongst the young, the deprived and pregnant women.
What will influence this National Indicator?
Smoking-uptake is influenced by a variety of social and cultural factors. So if we are to reduce smoking levels, we need a comprehensive, broad-based, multi-agency programme of action, as set out in the Scottish Government's tobacco action plan 'A Breath of Fresh Air for Scotland' (2004).
This involves a number of key issues. Firstly, making cigarettes and other tobacco products less available through, for example, effective enforcement of tobacco sales law. Secondly, making it less attractive, particularly to children and young people. This can be achieved through bans on tobacco advertising and smoking in public places, and measures to educate and promote healthy lifestyles. We can also make cigarettes less affordable through, for example, effective fiscal policy. We must also, of course, have the support mechanisms in place to help smokers to quit.
What is the Government's role?
The strategic framework for tobacco control is set in 'A Breath of Fresh Air for Scotland' (2004) and reinforced in 'Better Health, Better Care' (2007). The aim will be to build on progress made in shifting cultural attitudes to smoking, particularly through: the smoke-free laws; by continued investment in tobacco control activity, including £11m a year on smoking cessation services; and measures to stop young people smoking in the first place. The Scottish Government is publishing a new smoking prevention action plan in Spring 2008 aimed at reducing the availability, affordability and attractiveness of tobacco products.
How are we performing?
The percentage of adults who smoke has been steadily reducing over time. In 2007 24.7% of people aged 16 or over smoked, compared with 25.0% in 2006.
Source: Scottish Household Survey
Methodology
This evaluation is based on: any difference within +/- 0.5 percentage points of last year's figure suggests that the position is more likely to be maintaining than showing any change. A decrease of 0.5 percentage points or more suggests the position is improving; whereas an increase of 0.5 percentage points or more suggests the position is worsening.
For information on general methodological approach, please click here.
Further Information
2007 Spending Review Technical Note
Statistics Topic Page
Who are our supporting delivery partners?
NHS Scotland
Local Authorities
Related Strategic Objectives
Healthier
Safer and Stronger
Smarter
Wealthier and Fairer
Greener