Tobacco or Health: A Global Status Report | Country Profiles by Region | Western Pacific

Cook Islands

Socio-demographic characteristics
Population | 1990 | 1995 | 2025
Total | 18,000 | 19,000 | 28,000
Adult (15+) | N/A | N/A | N/A
% Urban | 57.7 | 60.4 | 75.7
% Rural | 42.3 | 39.6 | 24.3

Tobacco production, trade and industry

Production and Trade Tobacco is mostly imported from the Western Somoan factory, which is jointly owned by a multinational company and the Western Somoan government. Import costs of cigarettes in 1990 amounted to US$280,000, up from US$150,000 in 1985.

Tobacco consumption

In 1988-91, male smokers between 45-65 years smoked on average 13 cigarettes per day, and females 11.8 cigarettes per day.

Prevalence

A 1988 survey on adults 25 years and over showed that around 44% of men smoked, as did 26% of the women (an increase from 1980 where 38% of men and 19% of women smoked). 16% of males and 12% of females were ex-smokers, with females quitting at an earlier age than males.

Tobacco use among population sub-groups Smoking data collected in 1980 as part of a diabetes and cardiovascular research survey showed smoking to be statistically significantly more common among lower income groups in both males and females.

Age Patterns According to a 1980 survey, smoking prevalence among age groups was as follows: age 20-24: 33%M, 23%F; age 25-34: 40%M, 26%F; age 35-44: 39%M, 17%F; age 45-54: 40%M, 19%F; age 55 years and above: 36%M, 8%F. In 1988, the average age of smoking initiation was 20.4 in men and 31.8 in women/

Mortality from Tobacco Use

Between 1972-1983, lung cancer among male Cook Islanders caused 34.9% of all cancers, ranking as the number one cancer in men.

Tobacco Control Measures

Control on Tobacco Products There are partial advertising bans in the print media and on radio, but not on billboards, and sponsorship is allowed. A single health warning is required by law, in English, on the side of the pack. There is reportedly a ban on sales to minors.

Protection for non-smokers There are partial bans on smoking in public areas, hospitals, government offices and buildings, the workplace and, since 1993, on domestic airlines.

Health education The Ministry of Health has issued public statements on smoking and organised a mass-media campaign to celebrate World No-Tobacco Day (WNTD) 1993, utilizing radio, print media, television, posters, and fliers. Health education was also undertaken by Public health nurses in the Ministry of Health clinics. Additional health education activities are undertaken, coordinated by the Health Education Unit.

In 1994, WNTD was celebrated for one week, via radio, television, and newspaper articles. Lectures were given on smoking at the local collages, health workshops were conducted, and a banner was displayed across the road.

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