Report shows one third of NI adults smoke

A new health survey has shown that more than one third of all adults in Northern Ireland are heavy smokers.

The survey, on smoking and drinking among adults in NI, was published by the Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA), on behalf of the Department of Health.

The report shows that nearly thirty per cent (29%)of adults aged sixteen and above currently smoke cigarettes on a regular basis.

It also shows that more than one third (39%) of cigarette smokers were heavy smokers, smoking twenty or more cigarettes per day.

In this category 48% of men were more inclined to be more heavy smokers, compared to 33% of women.

However nearly 40% or respondents had never smoked cigarettes and 31% were ex-smokers.

The survey’s findings were taken from a range of adults, aged 16 and over, interviewed between February and July 2001.

On alcohol the report shows 76% of respondents aged 16 and over were current drinkers.

One quarter of male drinkers exceed the sensible weekly limit of 21 units of alcohol a week and 14% of female drinkers exceed their sensible weekly limit of 14 units.

Seventeen per cent of respondents said they had never drunk alcohol.

In relation to average weekly consumption the survey shows that just over one in ten (11%) drinkers aged 16-24 drank above dangerous levels in a typical week, compared with only three per cent of drinkers aged 25 or over.

(AMcE)