Smoking and Nurses in NEW ZEALAND - ASH

1. IntroductionThis report describes the smoking prevalence of nurses in Aotearoa/New Zealand, and examines theirsmoking history, knowledge, attitudes, and practice related to smoking cessation and smokefree workplaces.In New Zealand, tobacco smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke cause some 5,000 deaths annually(Ministry of Health, 2006). Smoking contributes to health inequalities for Maori and Pacific peoples and thosewith lower incomes (Blakely et al, 2006; Ministry of Health, 2004). Smoking prevalence is higher in people withmental illness than in those without mental illness (Oakley Browne et al, 2006). The New Zealand governmenthas responded to the seriousness of the issue with a range of tobacco control programmes but not all healthprofessionals participate effectively.Stopping smoking is the best thing a person can do to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.Nurses play a vital role in promoting and maintaining the health of the New Zealand population. They have thepotential to be the largest workforce in New Zealand providing effective smoking cessation interventions, andto be powerful advocates for tobacco free homes and communities.ASH-KAN AOTEAROA: ASSESSMENT OF SMOKING HISTORY, KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES OF NURSES IN NEW ZEALAND 11