Is the employment status of Australians related to cocaine use?
Australians who are currently employed are significantly more likely to have used cocaine in the past 12 months. Six percent of employed Australians used cocaine in the past 12 months, compared to 4% of unemployed Australians, and 1% of Australians who are not in the labour force.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).
Significance is set at p<.05.
Employment Status: Whether an individual is currently: a) employed; b) unemployed; or c) not in the labour force.
Employed: Self-employed or working for salary or wages.
Not in the Labour Force: Engaged in home duties, volunteer/charity work, student, retiree/pensioner, other.
Unemployed: Those who are not currently working and are actively seeking employment.