The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #56798

Xinguang Chen, Public Health Research & Application, Abt Associates Inc., 4800 Montgomery Lane, Suite 600, Bethesda, MD 20814, (301) 347 5670, jim_chen@abtassoc.com

This study examines the changing levels and geographic patterns of adult cigarette smoking from 1990 to 2000 in the US using adjusted prevalence rates. Findings from this study provide information necessary for tobacco control planning at the state and national levels.

Data used for this study were derived from 372,230 randomly sampled adult participants for the Behavioral Risk Factors Surveys in 1990, 1995, and 2000. National and state-specific rates of current cigarette smoking were estimated. The logistic regression was use to adjust for potential impact from changes in age, sex, race, and education levels. The adjusted smoking rates by state/year were thus analyzed using the geographic mapping technique.

The adjusted smoking rates in the US were 21.7% in 1990, 19.9% in 1995, and 20.5% in 2000. The same rates by state ranged from 15.8% (Utah) to 27.6% (Michigan) in 1990, 14.0% (Utah) to 28.6% (Nevada) in 1995, and 13.6% (Utah) to 32.2% (Nevada) in 2000. Mapping analyses indicated that smoking levels by state formed a geographically ascending pattern from northwest to southeast in 1990. This pattern was further pronounced in 1995. In 2000 more Midwest States with low smoking rates joined the pattern.

The nationwide declines in cigarette smoking during 1990-2000 appeared to be associated with the changing geographic patterns in cigarette smoking. The nationwide increasing trend from 1995-2000 appeared to be associated with high smoking levels observed among most East North Central and Southern States. Extra efforts should be directed to these States when planning tobacco control programs.

Learning Objectives:

When completing the session, the participants (learners) are expected to:
• Recognize the geographic variations in levels of cigarette smoking across 50 U.S. states;
• Identify geographic areas that need for extra efforts for tobacco control; and
• Develop capabilities for tobacco control planning at the state and national levels.

Keywords: Geographic Information Systems, Tobacco Control

Related Web page: None

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: N/A
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.