Which combination of factors has contributed most to a decreasing smoking rate in Australia? (A) Taxation and increased prevalence of lung cancer (B) Targeted legislation and health promotion campaigns (C) Education programs and participation in organised sport (D) Public perceptions of smoking and decreased access to tobacco products - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 11 - 2015 - Paper 1

While increased taxation on tobacco products has been shown to reduce smoking rates, the mention of lung cancer prevalence does not directly contribute to decreasing smoking. Hence, this option is less likely to be the correct answer.

This option includes both legal measures and health promotion strategies. Legislation that restricts smoking in public areas and health campaigns raising awareness about the dangers of smoking can significantly lower smoking rates. This is a strong contender.

While education programs can help inform the public about the risks of smoking, participation in organized sports may not be directly correlated with smoking reduction. Therefore, this option might not be comprehensive enough.

Public perception has shifted towards viewing smoking as socially unacceptable, combined with decreased access to tobacco products due to regulations, which directly affects smoking rates. This makes option (D) another strong contender.

After evaluating all options, option (B) ‘Targeted legislation and health promotion campaigns’ emerges as the most effective combination in reducing smoking rates in Australia, as both legal actions and promotion efforts directly target smoking behaviors.