Australia's Tobacco-Related Datasets

Jurisdictional Tobacco-Related Datasets

Page last updated: 20 September 2013

Jurisdictional Tobacco-Related Datasets

Data custodian
16. NSW Population Health SurveyNSW Ministry of Health
17. South Australian Monitoring and Surveillance System (SAMSS)SA Department of Health and Ageing
18. Health Omnibus Survey (HOS)University of Adelaide
19. Health Monitor Surveys (HMS)University of Adelaide
20. Victorian Population Health SurveyDepartment of Health, Victoria
21. Victorian Health MonitorDepartment of Health, Victoria
22. NSW Quitline databaseCancer Institute NSW
23. The WA Health and Wellbeing Surveillance System (WAHWSS)WA Department of Health
24. Victorian adult smoking population surveysCancer Council Victoria
25. Australian National Accounts: State AccountsABS
26. National Health Survey (NHS): State TablesABS
27. Australian Capital Territory General Health  SurveyACT Health
28. WA Adult Health SurveyWA Department of Health
29. WA Child Health SurveyWA Department of Health
30. Queensland Self Reported Health Status (SRHS) surveillance systemQLD Health

Jurisdictional Tobacco-Related Datasets

16. New South Wales Population Health Survey

Data Custodian: New South Wales Ministry of Health

Available for analysis: Send a request to the Chief Health Officer, NSW Ministry of Health stating the aim of the research and the required variables (as instructed on the data dictionary pages on the web)

Purpose: The New South Wales Population Health Survey is an ongoing telephone survey of state residents that is one of the main mechanisms through which NSW Health monitors population health and reports on performance indicators. It is conducted using Computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI). The Adult Population Health Survey began in 1997 and the Child Population Health Survey began in 2001; both have been collected through New South Wales Population Health Survey since 2002. Data on smoking status and passive smoking are collected. Indicators such as current smoker, daily smoking and lives in a smoke free household are able to be reported by year and demographic and geographic characteristics including health administration area and level of disadvantage.
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/surveys/Pages/default.aspx

Frequency: Annual

Commenced: 1997

Most recent: 2012

Sample size (year):
Adult participants:
13,269 (2012)    13,023 (2011)
10,245 (2010)    10,703 (2009)
8,755 (2008)    7,510 (2007)
7,957 (2006)    11,490 (2005)
9,418  (2004)    13,002 (2003)
12,616 (2002)    17,457 (1998)
17,496 (1997)

Strengths: Because of the diminishing coverage of the population by landline sampling frames (estimated to be less than 80 per cent in 2011) mobile phone numbers were included in 2012 using an overlapping dual-frame design. Top of Page

17. South Australian Monitoring and Surveillance System (SAMSS)

Data Custodian: SA Department of Health and Ageing

Available for analysis: Variable

Purpose: SAMSS is a telephone monitoring system using the Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) system whereby approximately 600 randomly selected South Australians of all ages are interviewed each month. SAMSS collects data on the smoking status of people aged 16 years and over. SAMSS monitors population trends in state and national risk factors and chronic diseases and provides SA Health with appropriate, timely and valid population health information to systematically monitor health status, respond to population changes and support planning, implementation, and evaluation of health services and programs. http://health.adelaide.edu.au/pros/data/samss/

Frequency: Monthly

Commenced: 2002
Most recent: 2013

Sample size (year):
7,268 (2011-12)    7,358 (2010-11)
7,375 (2009-10)    7,302 (2008-09)
7,216 (2007-08)    7,145 (2006-07)
7,197 (2005-06)    7,277 (2004-05)
6,741 (2003-04)    6,130 (2002-03)

Strengths: SAMSS is a continuous surveillance system that is linked to key national, state and regional indicators. Data is collected from people aged 16 years and over.

Limitations: As a surveillance system the SAMSS is not research per se. The 15 minutes on average that each participant spends on the telephone is limited to key broad questions rather than an in-depth investigation of one particular area of research interest. Those without a telephone connection are excluded. Top of Page

18. Health Omnibus Survey (HOS)

Data Custodian: University of Adelaide

Available for analysis: Data may be purchased and is available on request

Purpose: HOS is an annual face‐to‐face survey of South Australians. This survey and the HMS (below) provide for on‐going collection of data concerning prevalence and patterns of smoking, awareness of harms and anti-smoking / health promotion campaigns, exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, and quit attempts. The nature and frequency of the survey allows for the development of specific survey questions to assist in the evaluation of tobacco‐related health campaigns and legislative changes. The collection and analysis of relevant tobacco‐related data from these datasets are a key part of this work. http://health.adelaide.edu.au/pros/data/hos/

Frequency: Annual

Commenced: 1991

Most recent: 2012

Sample size (year): 3,000 every year

Strengths: Rigorous and cost‐effective methodologies with representative samples and high response rates (≥70%).

Limitations: Items may not be consistent over time.

Publication: http://health.adelaide.edu.au/pros/docs/reports/general/hos_evaluation_report.pdf
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19. Health Monitor Surveys (HMS)

Data Custodian: University of Adelaide

Available for analysis: Data may be purchased and is available on request. Ten demographic questions available for free.

Purpose: HMS is a telephone survey conducted two to three times a year with South Australians aged 18 years and over. It utilises rigorous and cost‐effective methodologies with representative samples and high response rates (≥60%). This survey and the HOS provide for on‐going collection of data concerning prevalence and patterns of smoking, awareness of harms and anti-smoking / health promotion campaigns, exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, and quit attempts. Moreover the nature and frequency of the surveys allows for development of specific survey questions to assist in the evaluation of tobacco‐related health campaigns and legislative changes. The collection and analysis of relevant tobacco‐related data from these datasets will form a key component of this work.
http://health.adelaide.edu.au/pros/data/hm/

Frequency: Two to three times a year

Commenced: 1999

Most recent: 2012

Sample size (year): 2,000 each wave

Strengths: Regular data collection. Consistent response rate.

Limitations: May not be representative of sub-groups in the population, although special collections are occasionally conducted. Top of Page

20. Victorian Population Health Survey

Data Custodian: Department of Health, Victoria

Available for analysis: Yes

Purpose: An annual CATI self-reported telephone interview with Australians adults collecting smoker status. The Victorian Population Health Survey has been conducted each year since 2001 and is based on a sample of 7,500 adults aged 18 years and over, randomly selected from households from each of the eight Department of Health regions in the state. In the most recently published 2010 survey report, computer-assisted telephone interviewing was undertaken between May and July.
www.health.vic.gov.au/healthstatus/survey/vphs-previous.htm

Frequency: Annual

Commenced: 2001

Most recent: 2010

Sample size (year):
7,740 (2009)    34,168 (2008)
7,500 (2007)                7,500 (2006)
7,500 (2005)                7,500 (2004)
7,500 (2003)      7,500 (2002)

Strengths: Regular collection and consistency between waves.

Limitations: Did not conduct dual frame sampling but may do so for future waves. Top of Page

21. Victorian Health Monitor

Data Custodian: Department of Health, Victoria

Available for analysis: From the report only

Purpose: The Victorian Health Monitor was conducted as a Victorian state-wide cross-sectional, population-health measurement survey, with data collected between May 2009 and April 2010. The survey measured the prevalence of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, indicators for chronic kidney disease and hypertension (and their risk factors) in a representative sample of Victorian adults aged 18–75 years. It reports on prevalence of smoking and smoking status by selected risk factors including smoking, physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour.

Frequency: Once only

Commenced: 2009-2010

Most recent: 2009-2010

Sample size (year): 3,653 (2009-2010)

Strengths: Blood and urine samples collected.

Limitations: There are no areas classified as remote or very remote in Victoria. This limits the extent to which geographic remoteness variations in health can be analysed.

Publication: http://docs.health.vic.gov.au/docs/doc/CC6A20C055B5AA75CA257A80001A7128/$FILE/VHM%20report.pdf
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22. NSW Quitline database

Data Custodian: Cancer Institute NSW

Available for analysis: Yes. Using the data request form.

Purpose: Cancer Institute NSW records de-identified data on usage of the Quitline services. The NSW Quitline records the basic socio-demographic characteristics and smoking history of each smoker who receives telephone support.
http://www.cancerinstitute.org.au/prevention-and-early-detection/public-education-campaigns/tobacco-control/quitline-services

Frequency: Ongoing collection

Commenced: 2005 or before

Most recent: 2013

Sample size (year): Approximately 11,150 each year

Strengths: Consistent and ongoing collection of data.

Limitations: Quitline callers are a relatively select group of smokers. Compared with the general smoking population, they are more likely to be women, younger, unemployed, higher educated, more addicted, have previously quit and are ready to quit in the next 30 days. Data collected may be superficial. Top of Page

23. The WA Health and Wellbeing Surveillance System (WAHWSS)

Data Custodian: WA Department of Health

Available for analysis: Yes. Using the data request form.

Purpose: The WA Health and Wellbeing Surveillance System (WAHWSS) is a continuous data collection which was developed to monitor the health and wellbeing of Western Australians. Each month, at least 550 people throughout WA are interviewed using CATI. Information from the survey is used to monitor the health status of all Western Australians, to inform health education programs and to evaluate interventions. Data from adults is self-report; data for children is reported by a parent / carer on their behalf.

Adults are asked about smoking status and smoking in the home. Parents / carers are asked about smoking in the home and during pregnancy. The WAHWSS also collects data relating to children (exposure to tobacco smoke in the home and in utero). Adult and child data are published annually in separate reports.

Frequency: Continuous

Commenced: 2002

Most recent: 2012

Sample size (year):
6,808 (2012)    6,920 (2011)
7,667 (2010)    10,112 (2009)
7,576 (2008)    7,601 (2007)
6,627 (2006)    7,808 (2005)
5,459 (2004)    7,139 (2003)
6,203 (2002) 
  
Strengths: Ability to show changes over time with seasonally adjusted trends supplied. Participants aged 16 years and over were considered adults. Information is collected for children, based on responses from parents/carers (children 0-15 years). Continuous data collection. Attained response rates over 75% each year. Separate reports on adults and children are created annually.

Limitations: WAHWSS is population based, thus the information provided in this report is representative of the WA population as a whole but not reliably representative of small minority groups within the population, such as CALD groups and the Aboriginal population.

Publication: http://www.health.wa.gov.au/publications/documents/HWSS_Adult_Overview_and_Trends_2012.pdf  
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24. Victorian Adult Smoking Population Surveys

Data Custodian: Cancer Council Victoria

Available for analysis: Publication – Cancer Council Victoria

Purpose: Involves the conduct of a population survey of Victorian adults in November each year in order to assess a range of smoking-related attitudes and behaviours, and public opinion for various tobacco-related policy measures. From 1983 to 1997 the survey was conducted as a household survey, while from 1998 to 2011 it was telephone-administered using a landline sample frame.  From 2011, the telephone sample has been a mix of landline and mobile phones. Various methodological reports have been published to document these changes and estimate effects on measured smoking prevalence. Survey sample sizes vary from approximately 2,000 in early years to 4,500 in later years. Recent survey response rates are approximately 45%. http://www.cancervic.org.au/module_research/module_research_projects/project_vic_adult_smoking_pop_.html

Frequency: Annual

Commenced: 1983

Most recent: 2013

Sample size (year):
4,500 (2010)    4,501 (2009)
4,503 (2008)    3,001 (2007)
2,996 (2006)    2,999 (2005)
2,998 (2004)    3,001 (2003)
1,995 (2002)    1,963 (2001)
1,991 (2000)    1,986 (1999)
1,982 (1998) 
   
Strengths: This survey has been conducted continuously over a long period of time.

Limitations: Response rates have been relatively low in recent years compared to previous years.

Publications list: A comprehensive list of reports and journal publications from the survey is available at:
http://www.cancervic.org.au/about-our-research/behavioural/cbrc-tobacco/publications_research_area_tobacco_control.html#3Vic%20adult%20smoking%20popn%20surveys
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25. Australian System of National Accounts: State Accounts

Data Custodian: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)

Available for analysis: ABS Cat. No. 5220.0, the recreation and culture table

Purpose: The ABS has published estimates of Gross State Product as part of the Australian National Accounts: State Accounts on a regular basis since 1987. Tobacco data can be found in the Recreation and Culture data item.
http://www.abs.gov.au/AusStats/ABS@.nsf/MF/5220.0

Frequency: Annual

Commenced: 1987

Most recent: 2012

Sample size (year): Not applicable

Strengths: Includes extensive results on the spending of Australians. Has been active for a long period of time. Used international standards since 2008.

Limitations: Statistical standards have changed over time. Top of Page

26. National Health Survey (NHS): State Tables

Data Custodian: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)

Available for analysis: ABS Cat. No. 4362.0

Purpose: Contains a selection of from the National Health Survey: Summary of Results, Australia (4364.0) compiled for individual states and the ACT.http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/DetailsPage/4362.02004-05?OpenDocument

Frequency: Triennial

Commenced: 1989-90

Most recent: 2007-2008

Sample size (year):
In 2007-08:   NSW 6,803    Vic 5,165    Qld 4,101     SA 1,548      WA 2,045      TAS 485      ACT 333

Strengths: A large, ongoing study. The findings are generalisable to the Australian population as participants represent a large national probability sample.

Limitations: Possible sampling variability although the sample size is large enough to reduce sampling error. Top of Page

27. Australian Capital Territory General Health Survey

Data Custodian: ACT Health

Available for analysis: Yes

Purpose: From 2007, the NSW Department of Health has been contracted to conduct a general health survey on behalf of ACT Health. The telephone survey aims to target a sample of approximately 1,300 completed interviews per annum (1000 adults and 300 children). The questionnaire includes modules collected as part of the continuous NSW Population Health Survey and additional modules specific to the ACT. From 2012 mobile phones have been included in the sample. The NSW Department of Health will provide a summary report of the survey annually for adult data and biennially for child data to ACT Health. This report includes information on smoking status. It is intended to be conducted every year between February and December.http://www0.health.nsw.gov.au/publichealth/surveys/othersurv.asp

Frequency: Annual

Commenced: 2007

Most recent: 2013

Sample size (year): Approximately 1,300 each year

Strengths: Collects data with CATI technology that can be compared with other areas.

Limitations: May not be representative of the adult ACT population—especially those who do not have a home phone and the homeless. Top of Page

28. WA Adult Health Survey

Data Custodian: WA Department of Health

Available for analysis: Not usually, but can be requested and this will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

Purpose: Data was collected on smoking status and reported in the categories of never smoked, ex-smoker and current smoker. 1995 data for persons 15 years and over. 2000 data for persons 18 years and over. Data was collected using a CATI surveyhttp://www.health.wa.gov.au/publications/documents/wellbeing20001.pdf

Frequency: Two time points only

Commenced: 1995

Most recent: 2000

Sample size (year): 5,713 (1995)     10,059 (2000)

Strengths: Weighted to represent population.

Limitations: No longer running. Top of Page

29. WA Child Health Survey

Data Custodian: WA Department of Health

Available for analysis: Not usually, but can be requested and this will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

Purpose: Data was collected on children living in smoke-free homes and mothers smoking during pregnancy. Data was collected using a CATI survey.http://www.health.wa.gov.au/publications/documents/2001_Child_Health_Survey_Report.pdf

Frequency: One off

Commenced: 2001

Most recent: 2001

Sample size (year): 998 (2001)

Strengths: Weighted to represent population.

Limitations: No longer running. Top of Page

30. Queensland Self Reported Health Status (SRHS) surveillance system

Data Custodian: Queensland Health

Available for analysis: From reports only

Purpose: Provides representative data for Queensland adults, sub populations and regional populations (Hospital and Health Service areas, Medicare Locals, Local Government Areas). The data are used for national COAG performance reporting and for state level outputs. Survey reports are publically available and datasets requests considered (data use agreement etc. required). In 2013 all respondents were asked questions about smoking in house and car and number of cigarettes smoked.

Frequency: Annual

Commenced: Annual from 2009, irregular before that

Most recent: 2013

Sample size (year):
7,838 (2013)    19,398 (2012)
12,564 (2011)    9,158 (2010)
6,681 (2009)

Strengths: Random digit dialling includes silent and unlisted numbers.

Limitations: A relatively small number of Indigenous Queenslanders were interviewed. The use of a telephone to administer the questionnaire and the design of the questionnaire itself may have had an impact upon the response rate by Indigenous Queenslanders.

Publication:http://www.health.qld.gov.au/epidemiology/documents/tech-report-2011.pdf
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