National Tobacco-Related Datasets
1. National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS)
Data Custodian: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)Purpose: The NDSHS is a national survey of Australians’ awareness, attitudes and behaviours relating to tobacco, alcohol and illicit drug use. It surveys a multi-stage stratified sample of Australian households. The tobacco-related questions most commonly refer to daily smoking rates among those 12 years and over. However, the detailed 323-page report of the 2010 survey also includes figures for those 18 years and over who smoke daily, at least weekly and less than weekly. http://www.aihw.gov.au/national-drugs-strategy-household-surveys/
Frequency: Triennial
Commenced: 1995
Most recent: 2013
Sample size (year):
26,648 (2010) 23,356 (2007)
29,445 (2004) 26,744 (2001)
10,030 (1998) 3,850 (1995)
Strengths: NDSHS has been active for a long period of time. It provides comprehensive data on the types of substances used, patterns and prevalence of substance consumption, and settings for use.
Limitations: There is some lack of question continuity between surveys. A relatively low response rate, which has remained stable over the last few waves. Household based sampling excludes high risk groups such as those in prisons or the homeless which affects sample representativeness. Smoking prevalence questions (daily, weekly) are adult-focussed and do not provide the international standard adolescent prevalence measures of past month smoking. The small sample size for 14-17 year olds does not permit state comparisons. Top of Page
2. Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services - National Minimum Data Set (AODTS-NMDS)
Data Custodian: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) and state, territory and commonwealth data custodiansAvailable for analysis: Data cubes available
Purpose: The AODTS–NMDS was first implemented to help monitor and evaluate key objectives of the National Drug Strategic Framework which was effected from 1998–99 to 2003–04 and to help plan, manage and improve the quality of drug treatment services in Australia. It is ongoing and the data are collated by state and territory health authorities and compiled into a national data set by the AIHW. It is a mandatory collection of data using an agreed set of data elements. http://www.aihw.gov.au/alcohol-and-other-drugs-treatment-services-statistics/
Frequency: Data collected continuously and summarised in reports annually
Commenced: 2000
Most recent: 2011/12
Sample size (year): 147,325 (2006-2007)
Strengths: This is a regular collection of episodes of treatment. Uses an administrative dataset meaning sampling error is not an issue.
Limitations: Does not include treatment data from non-specialist settings (e.g. prisons). Counts episodes rather than clients, which limits the interpretation and definition of some data elements. However, it will be able to count clients in the next (2012-13) report. Top of Page
3. Australian Health Survey (AHS) 2011-13
Data Custodian: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)Available for analysis: Yes, ABS Cat. No. 4264.0.55.001
Purpose: The largest, most comprehensive health survey conducted to date in Australia combining the existing ABS National Health Survey (NHS) and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey (NATSIHS). It also includes two new elements i.e., a National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (NNPAS) and a National Health Measures Survey (NHMS). The NHMS provides blood nicotine data which strengthens the findings compared to other studies. The focus of the tobacco-related data was on 'regular smoking', where 'regular' was defined as one or more cigarettes, pipes or cigars per day as reported by the respondent. http://www.abs.gov.au/australianhealthsurvey
Frequency: Triennial, funding has not been secured for future rounds
Most recent: 2011-2013
Sample size (year): Approximately 30,000 (2011-2013)
Strengths: A comprehensive collection of data consisting of several large studies. It includes an objective measure of exposure to tobacco smoke, which assists in overcoming biases associated with self-reported data. With a high response rate; and the ability to analyse results by a range of health, biomedical and demographic variables this dataset is very useful.
Limitations: A one-off data collection with some of these components conducted in an ongoing manner in the NHS.
Publication: http://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/DB071AB4DF1917CCCA256F190004C168/$File/Policy%20paper%20-%20FINAL%20DRAFT%20120711.pdf Top of Page
4. National Health Survey (NHS)
Data Custodian: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)Available for analysis: Yes, ABS Cat. No. 4363.0.55.001
Purpose: The NHS was designed to improve health information, by obtaining national baselines on a wide range of health issues, and enabling changes in population health to be monitored over time. Information is collected about the health status of the population; health-related aspects of lifestyle and other health risk factors; and the use of health services and other actions people had recently taken for their health. One adult and one child (where applicable) for each sampled dwelling are included in the survey. Respondents are asked to describe smoking status at the time of interview i.e. current smokers (daily, weekly, other); ex-smokers. Smoking rates for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population are also collected every three years via the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey.
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Products/4147.4.55.001~Mar+2013~Main+Features~Australian+Health+Survey?OpenDocument
Frequency: Triennial
Commenced: 1989-1990
Most recent: 2011-2012
Sample size (year): Approximately 20,400 (2011-2012)
Strengths: A large, ongoing national study. The findings are generalizable to the Australian population as participants represent a large national randomly selected sample. Good response rates as the survey is enumerated under the Census and Statistics Act 1905 (i.e. participation is required by law).
Limitations: Possible sampling variability although the sample size is large enough to reduce sampling error and the survey uses an appropriate sampling methodology to ensure nationally representative results. Top of Page
5. Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health (BEACH)
Data Custodian: The Family Medicine Research Centre, the University of SydneyAvailable for analysis: Data reports (analysed to the specifications of the client) can be purchased. Books and papers available on the website.
Purpose: The BEACH program continuously collects information from ever changing random samples of about 1,000 general practitioners (GPs) about the clinical activities in general practice in Australia including: characteristics of the GPs and the patients seen, reasons people seek medical care and the problems managed. Data from over 100,000 encounters are recorded per year. For each problem managed details are collected about: medications prescribed, advised, supplied by the GP, clinical treatments and procedures provided, referrals to specialists and allied health services, tests ordered including pathology and imaging. Each year a subsample of patients over aged 18 years (n= 30,000-33,000 approximately) are asked about their current smoking status. The results of smoking prevalence are reported each year compared over the past decade in the BEACH annual reports, there are also regular thematic collections for special issues. http://www.fmrc.org.au/beach.htm
Frequency: Annual
Commenced: 1998
Most recent: 2011-2012
Sample size (year):
Respondents asked the question on smoking status:
33,086 (2011-201) 32,160 (2010-2011)
32,744 (2009-2010) 34,194 (2008-2009)
31,652 (2007-2008) 31,176 (2006-2007)
33,558 (2005-2006) 31,295 (2004-2005)
32,718 (2003-2004) 32,651 (2002-2003)
31,966 (2001-2002)
Strengths: Consistent questions since commencement of the survey. Also contains treatment related questions (e.g. referral, prescribed medication).
Limitations: Response rate approximately 30 per cent. Top of Page
6. Time Use Survey (TUS)
Data Custodian: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)Available for analysis: ABS Cat. No. 4150.0 Time Use Survey: Users’ Guide
Purpose: The Time Use Survey (TUS) is an irregular national survey which collects information about how people use their time. Time use relates to a wide range of topics, so the objectives are varied. Includes information on episodes of smoking as a separately identified ‘recreation and leisure activity’.http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/4153.0
Frequency: Ongoing but irregular
Commenced: 1992
Most recent: 2006
Sample size (year):
6,900 (2006)
8,600 (1997)
Strengths: Data from people 15 years and over. Shows the changes in time use over a fifteen year period.
Limitations: Irregular. Not designed to indicate amount of tobacco products actually consumed. Top of Page
7. National Mortality Database (NMD)
Data Custodian: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)Available for analysis: Yes
Purpose: The AIHW National Mortality Database is primarily used for cause of death analysis, and contains demographic information for analysis by population groups such as age, sex, Indigenous status, country of birth and geographic location. The data are provided by the Registries of Births, Deaths and Marriages and the National Coroners Information System and are coded by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Causes of deaths are classified according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) until 1996 and the Tenth Revision (ICD-10) from 1997.
http://www.aihw.gov.au/aihw-national-mortality-database/
Frequency: Data collected and collated annually by the ABS and supplied to approved users by the Australian Coordinating Registry (Queensland Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages).
Commenced: 1965
Most recent: 2011 (preliminary data). 2010 (revised data) and final versions for data up to 2009.
Sample size (year): All registered deaths in Australia from 1964 onwards.
Strengths: The NMD classifies causes of death according to the International Classification of Diseases; can be used to extract deaths by specific causes of death including user-defined tobacco-related causes of death.
Limitations: Changes in numbers of deaths over time can be due to a number of factors including changes in mortality and changes in the size and age/sex structure of the population. Thus, deaths data needs to be considered in relation to the size of the relevant population(s) through the use of mortality rates. Top of Page
8. National Hospital Morbidity Database (NHMD)
Data Custodian: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)Available for analysis: Data cubes. Data available as consultancy.
Purpose: The NHMD is compiled from data supplied by the state and territory health authorities. It is a collection of electronic anonymous summary records for separations (that is, episodes of care) in public and private hospitals in Australia. Diagnoses, procedures and external causes of injury are recorded using the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision, Australian Modification (ICD-10-AM). Data are obtained via mandatory collection of hospital separations data. http://www.aihw.gov.au/national-hospital-morbidity-database/
Frequency: Annual
Commenced: 1993
Most recent: 2008
Sample size (year): All hospital separations in Australia
Strengths: The National Health Data Dictionary definitions form the basis of the database ensuring comparability with other AIHW databases.
Limitations: No other detailed information regarding consumption, patterns over time, etc. is available. Data is collected at the service level (hospital separations) rather than the patient level. Changing diagnostic practices and medical understanding of disease processes impact on the coding of cause of death over time, and can possibly lead to misclassification in causes of illness statistics. Top of Page
9. National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing (SMHWB)
Data Custodian: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)Available for analysis: ABS Cat. No. 4326.0
Purpose: The ABS SMHWB is a population-based survey designed to provide information on the mental health of Australians aged 16-85 years who are usual residents of private dwellings. The survey provides information on the prevalence of selected lifetime and 12-month mental health disorders by three major disorder groups: Anxiety disorders, Affective disorders and Substance Use disorders, and 12 disorder sub-groups. The survey asks about smoking status including the extent to which an adult was smoking at the time of interview. http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/4326.0
Frequency: 10 yearly
Commenced: 1997
Most recent: 2007
Sample size (year):
Approximately 8,800 (2007)
Approximately 10,600 (1997)
Strengths: Provides comprehensive information on substance-related disorders, other comorbid mental disorders, physical health conditions and health risk factors, including smoking status.
Limitations: Household based sampling excludes high risk groups such as those in prisons or the homeless. There are several differences between the 1997 and 2007 surveys including collection methodology, scope and participant characteristics. Top of Page
10. National Tobacco Survey: smoking prevalence and consumption (NTS)
Data Custodian: Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA)Available for analysis: No
Purpose: NTS is a national telephone survey of 18-40 year old Australians. It was first commissioned in 1997 as a tool to evaluate the National Tobacco Campaign but was also used for several years to monitor the impact of tobacco policy initiatives.
Frequency: Annual
Commenced: 1997
Most recent: 2005
Sample size (year):
20,778 (2005) 16,385 (2004)
16,993 (2003) 15,979 (2002)
11,898 (2001) 13,804 (2000)
12,271 (1999) 11,156 (1998)
17,712 (1997) 6,657 (benchmark)
Strengths: Nine years of data. Overall trends and results for consumption are consistent with those identified in previous reports by the Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer.
Limitations: Does not record tobacco use for all age groups as the target age groups is 18-40. Data is no longer being collected.
Publication: http://www.quitnow.gov.au/internet/quitnow/publishing.nsf/Content/FA5D40792453756FCA257A0D001F1217/$File/ntspre05.pdf
Top of Page
11. Household expenditure Survey (HES)
Data Custodian: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)Available for analysis: ABS Cat. No. 6530.0
Purpose: The Household Expenditure Survey collects information on the expenditure, income, net worth and other characteristics of household residents in private dwellings throughout Australia. The survey includes information about household expenditure on tobacco products.http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/mf/6530.0/
Frequency: 6 yearly
Commenced: 1984
Most recent: 2009-10
Sample size (year):
9,774 households (2009-10)
6,957 households (2003-04)
Strengths: The Household Expenditure Survey is a core part of the ABS Household survey program and to date has been conducted every 6 years.
Limitations: It is generally acknowledged that expenditure on tobacco is underreported in household expenditure surveys.
Top of Page
12. Australian System of National Accounts (ASNA)
Data Custodian: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)Available for analysis: ABS Cat. No. 5204.0 (2011-12) Household Final Consumption Expenditure
Purpose: The ABS publishes estimates of household final consumption expenditure in both current prices and chain volume measures as part of the Australian System of National Accounts. Expenditure on cigarettes and tobacco is identified separately. The Australian System of National Accounts (ASNA) uses information from the Australian Customs Service from documents lodged for excise purposes as well as for imports and exports to estimate tobacco expenditure.http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/5204.0Appendix22011-12?opendocument&tabname=Notes&prodno=5204.0&issue=2011-12&num=&view=
Frequency: Annual
Commenced: 1960
Most recent: 2012
Sample size (year): Not applicable
Strengths: The ASNA is a core ABS data set and has been published since 1960. The ASNA uses the international standards for household income and expenditure statistics, established by the International Conference of Labour Statisticians.
Limitations: While the ASNA provides estimates of household expenditure on tobacco products; it does not show smoking rates for individuals. Top of Page
13. National Perinatal Data Collection (NPDC)
Data Custodian: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)Available for analysis: Variable. Contact the AIHW National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit
Purpose: A national population-based cross sectional data collection of pregnancy and childbirth. Data is based on births reported to the perinatal data collection in each state and territory in Australia. Midwives and other staff, using information obtained from mothers and from hospital or other records, complete notification forms for each birth. Selected information is compiled annually into this national dataset by the National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit. Information is included in the NPDC on both live births and stillbirths of at least 400 grams birth weight or at least 20 weeks gestation. Includes maternal smoking status during pregnancy.
http://www.preru.unsw.edu.au/data-collection/national-perinatal-data-collection-npdc
Frequency: Ongoing
Commenced: 1991
Most recent: 2011
Sample size (year): Information is included in the NPDC for all live births and stillbirths of at least 400 grams birth weight or at least 20 weeks gestation in Australia.
Strengths: A large population-based collection.
Limitations: Data collection on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes varies between jurisdictions. Top of Page
14. Social Health Atlas of Australia
Data Custodian: Public Health Information Development Unit, University of AdelaideAvailable for analysis: Publications available online free of cost
Purpose: The Social Health Atlas is a compilation of data about the health of the population presented in maps by small areas of each state and territory. It is an important resource available to policy makers, planners, service providers and community members working towards the future health and wellbeing of Australians which aims to assist in achieving improvements in healthy life expectancy for all Australians and a reduction of inequalities in health.
Relevant indicators (in relation to tobacco) currently include:
- 1. Health risk factors (modelled estimates), 2007-08. Released: Nov 2010:
- Male/ female current smokers, 18 years and over
- Current smokers, 18 years and over
- Had asthma and were smokers, persons aged 18 years and over
3. Composite indicators - a chronic disease and an associated risk factor (modelled estimates), 2007-08. Released: November 2010:
1. Statistical Local Area and Local Government Area (2011 ASGC):
http://www.publichealth.gov.au/interactive-mapping/social-health-atlas-of-australia%3a-statistical-local-area-and-local-government-area_-published-2013.html
2. Statistical Area Level 2 (ASGS) Census data only: http://www.publichealth.gov.au/interactive-mapping/social-health-atlas-of-australia---2011-census%3a-statistical-area-level-2_-published-2013.html
3. Medicare Locals: http://www.publichealth.gov.au/interactive-mapping/social-health-atlas-of-australia%3a-medicare-locals_-published-2013.html
4. Local Hospital Networks: http://www.publichealth.gov.au/interactive-mapping/social-health-atlas-of-australia%3a-local-hospital-networks_-published-2013.html
The website includes various tools to assist users navigate geographies and use population-based small area data, including the facility to correlate different indicators, and to upload and map your own data.http://www.publichealth.gov.au/interactive-mapping/social-health-atlas-of-australia%3a-statistical-local-area-and-local-government-area_-published-2013.html
Frequency: Annual and/or as new primary data become available from data custodians
Commenced: 1992 (first edition)
Most recent: 2013
Sample size (year): Not applicable (not a survey)
Strengths: Interactively maps demographic and social health information using a wide range of indicators for which primary data are available, for all areas of Australia (selection of different geographies), with a focus on monitoring inequality in health and wellbeing.
Limitations: The availability of some primary data may vary over time, and there may be a time lag in gaining access to it in a suitable form for small area analysis and mapping (e.g., the publication of data on current smokers in small areas is dependent on the availability of data from the National Health Survey and the calculation, by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, of synthetic predictions for areas). Some primary data may not available for all small areas due to limitations in the data (e.g., the sample size and/or coverage of the original survey) and the need to maintain confidentiality (through suppression of very small numbers and other means, as agreed with data custodians). Top of Page
15. National Public Health Expenditure Project (NPHEP)
Data Custodian: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) and the National Public Health PartnershipAvailable for analysis: Available online, more recent data on request
Purpose: Estimates of recurrent expenditure on public health activities in Australia that were funded by the Australian Government and state and territory health departments are reported in publications and data cubes. It includes expenditure on public health activities aimed at preventing and reducing tobacco use. http://www.aihw.gov.au/public-health-expenditure/
Frequency: Annual
Commenced: 1998
Most recent: 2010
Sample size (year): Not applicable
Strengths: Provides the links between government health expenditure and health outcomes.
Limitations: The public health expenditure estimates reported relate only to those funded by the key health departments and agencies in the various jurisdictions and does not include expenditure by non-government organisations and other agencies.
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