6 June 2007
Commenting on the publication today of the Scottish Executive’s 2006 Scottish Household survey (1), which demonstrates that smoking is more prevalent in the most deprived areas of Scotland, Maureen Moore OBE, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland said,
“The 2006 Scottish Household Survey findings show that smoking is more prevalent in the most deprived areas of Scotland; 41% of adults smoke compared to just 12% in the least deprived areas. Whilst ASH Scotland welcomes the decline in smoking rates in more affluent areas of Scotland, it is clear that more needs to be done to reach adults in deprived areas. We need greater investment in targeted cessation services, and we need cessation services that are accessible to smokers living in deprived areas.“In addition, as part of an overall strategy to reduce the number of adults in low income areas who smoke, we need effective youth prevention strategies that young people living in deprived areas can engage with and access. Effective youth prevention strategies would help to protect the health of our future generations and prevent them from becoming addicted to tobacco.”
ENDS
Contact: Dr Rachel Harrison, Policy & Research Manager Tel: 0131 220 9478 (from 09.00am – 17.00pm). Out of hours contact Sheila Duffy, Director of Information & Communication Tel: 0777 614 2299
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