The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: A 1994 workshop resulted in a set of core indicators questions that have been consistently used in most Canadian surveys. Health Canada convened a workshop to review these indicators and to identify new questions to measure more subtle changes smoking behaviour in the next 10 years.

Methods: A group of tobacco control researchers experienced in tobacco use surveillance were brought together for a two day meeting. The core indicators from the 1994 workshop were presented by issue being measured. Additional questions that were currently being asked as part of the core Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey questionnaire were also presented and discussed.

Results: The general consensus was that the original indicators continue to be important in measuring tobacco use. Effects of new regulations and policies such as smoke-free legislation on surveillance were discussed. Additionally, research may be needed to develop new questions to better profile ‘some day or occasional smokers'; examine quitters who may occasionally ‘slip' versus relapse; and provide a better understanding of binge smoking. Methodological issues such as increased use of cell phone use and respondent burden were identified.