People’s health is strongly influenced by general living conditions as well as by their lifestyles and behaviours. Smoking is considered a risk behaviour with significant negative effects on health. Diseases whose development is promoted by smoking include cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and cancer.
Smoking status is assessed by the questions “Do you smoke tobacco products?” and “Have you ever smoked daily?” Based on the information provided, a distinction is made between current smokers (daily, occasional), former smokers and those who have never smoked. Smoking status has been surveyed in a similar way since the 1970s, enabling statements to be made about developments and trends over time.
The results come from the Austrian Health Interview Survey (ATHIS), which is held every six years from 2019 (previously 2006/07 and 2014).