A Census & Statistics Department survey has found about 615,000 people smoke cigarettes daily, representing 10% of Hong Kong residents aged 15 and over.

The survey was conducted from June to September last year.

Publishing the results of the Thematic Household Survey Report No.64 today, the department said the corresponding percentage was 10.5% in 2015 when a similar survey was conducted.

On average, daily cigarette smokers consumed about 12 cigarettes a day, slightly less than 13 in 2015.

In another school-based survey conducted by the University of Hong Kong from November 2016 to June 2017, the smoking prevalence among Primary 4 to 6 students was found to be 0.1% while that of Secondary 1 to 6 students was 2.5%, down 0.1 and 0.2 percentage points compared to the 2014-15 survey.

Head of the Tobacco Control Office Dr Lee Pui-man said the overall prevalence of smokers has been on a decreasing trend in the past 30 years, showing the Government's approach to tobacco control is effective.

However, the office is facing challenges posed by electronic smoking devices, which have become more popular.

Dr Lee said the Government plans to strengthen the monitoring and regulation of electronic smoking devices, and will boost public education on their potential harms.

Noting the Government's target of further reducing the overall smoking prevalence to single digits, Dr Lee said the Department of Health has been strengthening community smoking cessation services for smokers by providing mobile services.

The Census & Statistics Department's report also covered personal computer and Internet usage.

Results showed the number of people aged 10 and above who know how to use a PC was 84% in 2017, slightly up from 83.3% the previous year. There was also a rise for those aged 55 to 64, and 65 and over.

About 5.7 million people aged 10 and above owned a smartphone last year, 200,000 more compared to 2016.

Click here for the report.