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

Abstract #62394

Paula M. Lantz, PhD, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 109 Observatory, Room M3116, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, 734-763-9902, plantz@umich.edu

In the late 1990's, evidence from a number of different sources pointed to a disquieting trend: cigarette smoking among young adults was on the rise in the United States. The objectives of this presentation include to explore major hypotheses regarding the causes of the increase in young adult smoking, to compare trends in smoking with trends in the use of other substances, and to consider the implications for tobacco control research and policy. Time-series analysis of Monitoring the Future data do support the hypothesis the majority of the increase in smoking among 19-24 years olds can be explained by previous increases in smoking among teenagers. It also appears, however, that there have been some changes in smoking patterns among young adults above and beyond an increase in prevalence due to a cohort effect. Analyses of NHIS survey data suggest that the proportion of smokers who establish regular or habitual smoking as young adults has been sizeable for some time, but that this increased, particularly among males, during the late 1990's. In addition, the increase in cigarette smoking among young adults has occurred concomitantly with an increase in other risk-taking behaviors regarding substance use, including binge drinking and the use of marijuana and other illicit drugs. While there are many unanswered questions about recent trends in smoking among both adolescents and young adults, what is known to date leads to a clarion call for increased intervention and policy action regarding the prevention and control of tobacco use among young adults.

Learning Objectives:

• to understand recent trends in smoking among young adults;
• to understand different hypotheses about why smoking among young adults ins on the rise; and
• to be aware of the implications for policy and intervention development.

Keywords: Tobacco Control,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.