Investigators: Prof Amanda Baker, Dr Billie Bonevski (CI), Mrs Ashleigh Guillaumier, A/Prof Patrick McElduff, A/Prof Chris Paul, Ms Laura Twyman.
A substantial body of research has shown that smoking rates are significantly higher in disadvantaged groups compared with the general population, for example, compared with a population prevalence of 15% in Australia, smoking rates are 62-91.9% among individuals with a mental illness, and 25.9% among individuals in the lowest quintile of disadvantage.
The aim of this project was to explore the relationships between smoking, alcohol use, socioeconomic status and mental health (depression and anxiety in particular) in the 45 and Up Study population to help model the associations between these factors, and guide the development of tailored smoking cessation interventions in low socioeconomic status group with mental health issues.
Outcomes resulting from this research:
Bonevski B, Regan T, Paul C, Baker AL, Bisquera A. Associations between alcohol, smoking, socioeconomic status and comorbidities: Evidence from the 45 and Up Study. Drug Alcohol Rev [Internet] 2013. doi:10.1111/dar.12104
