Tobacco use in WA's Kimberley remains high as Australian smoking rate drops below 10pc
About one in three people in the Kimberley region still smoke regularly, according to the latest Health and Wellbeing of Adults in WA report by the state's Department of Health.
This dwarfs the national rate, which fell to under 10 per cent in 2022–23.
Broome resident Spencer Lim Joon managed to quit smoking last year after a four-decade battle.
"That was my first taste of a cigarette, and then eight years later again with mates."
Mr Lim Joon watched family members struggle with lung and chest issues throughout their lives and also bore witness to smoking's fatal consequences.
"A good mate of mine passed away, he was from Broome and he just couldn't give up," he said.
Mr Lim Joon said it was embedded in almost every aspect of the regional lifestyle, whether it was "ciggy breaks" at work, with friends or with family.
"It's hard to go against peer pressure, but just try real hard," Mr Lim Joon said.
"The younger generation, they just pick it up too easily without any question and when you get older … that's where you're going to have health issues, but it's not worth it for quality of life."
In the Kimberley, the report found 32.5 per cent of people smoked, 33 per cent were ex-smokers and 34.5 per cent had never smoked or never smoked regularly.
The region already struggles with limited access to healthcare, and its high smoking rate only adds to the problem.
According to Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services, tobacco remains the leading risk factor contributing to disease burden and death for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
But despite the grim statistics, local health services are working to turn the tide.
Tackling Indigenous Smoking (TIS) coordinator Kaupa Pitt said the team, based at the Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service (KAMS), was making inroads.
Ms Pitt said the focus was largely on teaching young people about the benefits of not smoking, and trying to address the issue before addictive, long-standing behaviours set in.
TIS also run "mums and bubs" programs for expectant mothers and young families.
Both the message and its delivery are critical for the community-focused program.
"We really do rely on the staff for their local knowledge, their knowledge of their communities, combining TIS program information," Ms Pitt said.
WA Cancer Council coordinator Sarah Beasley agreed early intervention, peer support, and targeted outreach in remote areas were key to reducing the prevalence of smoking.
The long-term health impacts are well known, from lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory illness, yet quitting remains a challenge for many.
Smoking becomes a "coping mechanism" and a source of "comfort", until people become addicted and are unable to cope without it, according to Ms Beasley.
"If you can get just that bit of support to understand what you need to do to go about quitting and what options are available, it is really something you can achieve no matter where you are."
In Broome, smoking and nicotine replacement therapy is delivered at Broome Hospital, including through the mental health unit.
The WA Country Health Service also coordinates anti-vaping education through the Kimberley Population Health Unit.
The WA government said its recent expansion of prescription and diagnosis capabilities for pharmacists would help address high regional smoking rates.
WA Health Minister Meredith Hammat said programs to help people quit smoking would be introduced as part of this.
But exactly how access to support will be improved remains subject to ongoing consultation.
"We know there are programs available to help people to quit and incredible health benefits to support people through the process," Ms Hammat said.
"We are looking at all the ways we can make particular programs like that [more] available."
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"Until November 1, the department will continue releasing packages every week to people assessed as needing in-home care through the Home Care Packages Program," they said. The spokesman said those who need urgent access to home care will continue to receive packages within a month. They said that 99 per cent of people waiting for home care are already receiving a lower-level package or have been approved for Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) services. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
News.com.au
a day ago
- News.com.au
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