Hidden populations in household surveys on smoking prevalence with Emma Beard

Hidden populations in household surveys on smoking prevalence with Emma Beard

In this intriguing episode of Addiction Audio, Dr Tsen Vei Lim chats with Dr Emma Beard from University College London about a topic that’s often overlooked in household surveys: the hidden population. You might wonder, who exactly falls into this category? Well, it’s those folks who aren't captured by traditional surveys – people in detention centres, care homes, hostels, and even those experiencing homelessness.

These groups often have high smoking rates, and Emma’s research suggests that excluding them could lead to an underestimation of smoking prevalence in the UK. Emma explains the 'workbook method' used to estimate the size of these hidden populations and their smoking habits. Her findings reveal that around 1.9 million adults – about 3.5% of the UK adult population – are part of this hidden group, with smoking rates between 58% and 66%.

Compare that to the general population’s estimated smoking rate of 13%, and you’ve got quite a discrepancy. The episode goes on to discuss the implications of these findings, suggesting that UK smoking prevalence might be nearly 15% when accounting for the hidden population. Emma shares her surprise at discovering an additional million smokers not accounted for in official statistics. So, why should you tune in?

This episode sheds light on the importance of inclusive data collection and how it can influence policy decisions. It’s a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of addiction statistics and their real-world impact. Grab your headphones and get ready to learn something new!