Tobacco is considered the most important preventable cause of death and disease in the United States. This paper will present prevalence data (by demographic characteristics) from the National Household Surveys of Drug Abuse (NHSDA) through 1999 to look at the use of tobacco products, particularly among young people. Brand preference data from the 1999 NHSDA will be shown for cigarettes, cigars and smokeless tobacco products. The most commonly used tobacco product is cigarettes. In 1998, about 60 million persons ages 12 and older (approximately 28% of the household population) were current smokers (i.e., had smoked in the month prior to survey). The highest prevalence of cigarette smoking was reported by 18 to 25 year olds where almost 42% reported current smoking. Trend data indicate that after steady increases among adolescents that began in the early 1990's, the prevalence of cigarette smoking among youth may be starting to turn downward. The second most commonly used tobacco product is cigars. Cigars have also been linked to cancer and coronary heart disease and research indicates that cigar use may be increasing. In 1998, 19 percent of 18 to 25 year old males and 4.6 percent of 18 to 25 year old females reported current cigar use. Smokeless tobacco use has been positively linked to oral cancer and other oral problems. Far fewer people have used smokeless tobacco than have smoked cigarettes or cigars and the consumption of smokeless tobacco is greatest among white males ages 18 to 34.
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify population sub-groups most at risk for the use of cigarettes, cigars and smokeless tobacco products 2. Recognize the brand preferences for cigarettes, cigars and smokeless tobacco by demographic characteristics 3. Prioritize population subgroups in need of tobacco interventions
Keywords: Adolescents, Tobacco
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The National Household Survey on Drug Abuse is sponsored by the Office of Applied Studies at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.