SLAN 2007: Survey of Lifestyle, Attitudes and Nutrition in Ireland. Smoking Patterns in Ireland: Implications for policy and services

SL��N 2007 was the third national Survey of Lifestyle, Attitudes and Nutrition (SL��N) in Ireland and followed previous surveys in 1998 and 2002. The 2007 survey was conducted through faceto-face interviews in the homes of 10,364 randomly selected adults, aged 18 years and older. There was a 62% response rate. The overall findings are contained in the SL��N 2007: Main Report (Morgan et al, 2008) and a number of sub-reports on specific aspects (e.g. diet and nutrition, mental health and social well-being, alcohol, injuries, Northern Ireland comparisons) are also available or forthcoming (see www.slan07.ie). As part of the SL��N 2007 survey, respondents were asked about previous and current smoking behaviour, attempts to quit (current smokers only) and rules regarding smoking in the home. A ���current smoker��� was defined as smoking ���every day��� or ���some days���, and ���having smoked at least 100 cigarettes during my lifetime���. ���Former smokers��� were current non-smokers who had smoked at least 100 cigarettes in the past. Findings are analysed and presented here by gender, age, social class and occupation where differences within these categories are significant and important. Results comparing SL��N 2007 with SL��N 1998 and 2002 ��� and with the HBSC 2006 Survey of school-aged children ��� are highlighted where comparisons are possible.