Tobacco smoking and mortality among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults in Australia

Abstract

In this population, >80% of never-smokers would survive to 75 years, versus ∼40% of current-smokers. Quitting at all ages examined had substantial benefits versus continuing smoking; those quitting before age 45 years had mortality risks similar to never-smokers. Smoking causes half of deaths in older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults; Indigenous tobacco control must receive increased priority.