Present situation and future perspectives of smoking in Japan -An analysis based on National Nutrition Survey 1988-2005

Purpose:

The smoking rate in Japan is the highest among developed countries. The purpose is to clarify the yearly trend of the smoking rate and characteristics of smoking habit in Japan, and to propose effective counter-measures against smoking.

Method:

The annual changes and in the smoking rate by sex and age, amount of cigarettes smoked, age at start of smoking, and various nutrition intake were examined.

Result:

The smoking rate in 2005 was 39.3% and 11.3% in males and females, respectively. It was the highest in age 30s (over 50%) in males, and in 20s and 30s in females.

During 17 years since 1988, smoking rate in males has decreased from 56% to 39%. In females it has increased from9% to 11%, especially remarkable in young generations.

The age at start smoking in males was 20 years old, while that in females was older.

Daily average number of cigarettes was 21 in males and 16 in females. The highest was 50s in males and 60s in females. The proportion of males who smoke more than 20 cigarettes increased according to age increase, making a peak in 50s. There were no age differences in females.

Intakes of total energy, protein, fat and carbohydrate were less in smokers compared with nonsmokers. The differences were larger in females.

Conclusion:

To implement effective counter-measures to avoid smoking is a matter of great urgency in preventing lifestyle-related diseases. Especially, the efforts should be focused in males over 50 years old and in young females.