Diverse group of people in a cityscape, cultural symbols formed from smoke, representing smoking habits among Canadian immigrants.

Unpacking Canada's Smoking Trends: What Immigrant Data Reveals

Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"A closer look at how ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic factors influence smoking habits among Canadian immigrants and how these insights can shape targeted interventions for a healthier, smoke-free future."

Cigarette smoking remains a leading cause of preventable illness and death worldwide. In Canada, an increasingly multicultural nation, understanding the smoking habits of immigrant populations is crucial for effective public health strategies. Recent data sheds light on how smoking preferences and initiation vary among different ethnic groups within the Canadian immigrant community.

According to a 2011 National Household Survey, immigrants make up a significant portion of Canada's population. As this demographic continues to grow, it's essential to address health disparities, including smoking. Understanding the factors that influence smoking among immigrants can help tailor interventions to meet the specific needs of these communities.

A new study, published in Patient Preference and Adherence, explores the ethno-specific preferences of cigarette smoking and smoking initiation among Canadian immigrants. By examining data from a large, nationally representative survey, the researchers uncovered key insights into the factors that influence smoking behaviors within this diverse population.

Who Is Lighting Up and Why? Breaking Down the Numbers

Diverse group of people in a cityscape, cultural symbols formed from smoke, representing smoking habits among Canadian immigrants.

The study utilized data from the 2013-2014 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), which included a sample of 130,000 respondents aged 12 years or older. The researchers focused on identifying ethnic differences in cigarette use among Canadian immigrant groups. A three-level mixed effects logistic regression model was employed to estimate the impact of ethnicity on the likelihood of smoking initiation after immigrating to Canada.

The research team categorized respondents into various ethnic/racial groups including Caucasian, Asian, Black, Latino, and Arab, in addition to assessing their immigrant status. They also considered other variables like marital status, self-perceived health, stress levels, education, and household income to provide a comprehensive view.

Native-Born Canadians: 82% of the study population.
Immigrant Groups: 18%, comprising various ethnicities.
Gender Distribution: 54.7% male, 45.3% female.
Marital Status: 62.8% married or common-law partners.
Education: 57.5% had a post-secondary certificate.
Income: Most earned between $38,500 and $77,000 (CAD).

The study revealed significant differences in smoking habits among Canadian-born and immigrant participants. Key findings included variations in the number of cigarettes smoked daily, the age of smoking onset, and smoking initiation rates. Immigrant smokers in Canada were more likely to be younger, single, Caucasian, and female, with higher incomes and post-secondary education.

Why Tailored Approaches Are Key

The study's findings highlight the importance of culturally appropriate and gender-specific interventions to address smoking among Canadian immigrants. By recognizing the unique factors that influence smoking behaviors within different ethnic groups, public health initiatives can be more effective in promoting smoking cessation and preventing smoking initiation. Specifically, the research suggests that Caucasian female immigrants in Canada may benefit from targeted interventions that address their specific needs and challenges.

About this Article -

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.2147/ppa.s180494, Alternate LINK

Title: Ethno-Specific Preferences Of Cigarette Smoking And Smoking Initiation Among Canadian Immigrants &Amp;Ndash; A Multi-Level Analysis

Subject: Health Policy

Journal: Patient Preference and Adherence

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Authors: Yelena Bird, Killian Forbeteh, Chijioke Nwankwo, John Moraros

Published: 2018-10-01

Everything You Need To Know

What data and statistical methods were used to analyze smoking habits among Canadian immigrants?

The study used data from the 2013-2014 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), encompassing 130,000 individuals aged 12 and older. Researchers employed a three-level mixed effects logistic regression model to evaluate how ethnicity affects the likelihood of starting to smoke after immigrating to Canada. This model allowed them to consider various factors simultaneously, providing a more nuanced understanding of smoking behaviors. The survey included questions about smoking habits, demographic information, and socioeconomic factors, all crucial for the analysis.

Besides ethnicity and immigrant status, what other factors were considered when analyzing smoking behaviors?

The research categorizes respondents into ethnic/racial groups such as Caucasian, Asian, Black, Latino, and Arab, assessing their immigrant status. Additional variables included marital status, self-perceived health, stress levels, education, and household income. These factors were analyzed alongside smoking habits to reveal correlations and potential influences. For example, income levels might affect access to cessation resources, while stress could trigger smoking as a coping mechanism.

What were some of the key differences observed in smoking habits between Canadian-born individuals and immigrants according to the study?

Key findings revealed differences in smoking habits between Canadian-born individuals and immigrants, including the number of cigarettes smoked daily, the age when smoking started, and smoking initiation rates. Notably, immigrant smokers in Canada were often younger, single, Caucasian, and female, with higher incomes and post-secondary education. These insights underscore the complexity of smoking behaviors and the need for targeted interventions.

Why does research suggest that tailored approaches are key to addressing smoking among Canadian immigrants?

Targeted interventions are essential because smoking behaviors vary significantly among different ethnic groups within the Canadian immigrant population. Recognizing the unique factors that influence smoking among these groups allows for the creation of culturally appropriate and gender-specific programs. For example, the study suggests that Caucasian female immigrants in Canada could benefit from interventions tailored to their specific needs and challenges, potentially addressing issues like social integration or workplace stress.

Why is it important to study smoking trends among Canadian immigrants in the context of Canada's broader population?

The 2011 National Household Survey indicates that immigrants constitute a significant portion of Canada's population. As this demographic grows, addressing health disparities, including smoking, becomes increasingly important. Understanding the factors influencing smoking among immigrants enables the development of tailored interventions that meet the specific needs of these communities. Without such targeted efforts, health inequalities may persist or even widen.