Aim. To analyse the relationship between residential segregation and smokin
g and quit rates in Christchurch.
Method. The study used a nested research design, which examines the extent
to which variations in adult smelting rates at the meshblock level are, whe
n holding socioeconomic status constant, also influenced by the socioeconom
ic profile of the census area units or wider communities within which they
are located.
Results. Smoking and quit rates are not only related to levels of local nei
ghbourhood (meshblock) deprivation, but also depend to a large extent on wh
ether such neighbourhoods are located in socially segregated or more social
ly mixed parts of the city. The findings provide added support for the inde
pendent influence of contextual effects on smoking behaviour.
Conclusion. The results suggest that attempts to further reduce smoking sho
uld target places as well as people.