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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Molly Green, MPH, Kristen L. McCausland, MPH, MSW, Jennifer Duke, PhD, Haijun Xiao, MS, Donna Vallone, PhD, MPH, and Cheryl G. Healton, DrPH. American Legacy Foundation, 2030 M Street, NW, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20036, 202-454-5555, kmccausland@americanlegacy.org

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of 16,673 U.S. adults (18-24 years old) was conducted using data from the 2001-2002 Current Population Survey – Tobacco Use Supplement (CPS-TUS). Prevalence rates for various young adult smoking characteristics were estimated by college status. These estimates were further stratified by various sociodemographic factors, including gender, occupation type and employment status. Results: An estimated 26% of 18-24 year olds in the U.S. were current smokers in 2001-2002. There were significantly more current smokers among the non-college group (34%) as compared to those in the college group (17%). Non-college young adult smokers were more likely to smoke daily, to start smoking at a younger age, and less likely to have made a recent quit attempt as compared to college smokers. The college and non-college young adult populations were similar when examining their average number of recent quit attempts and their intention to quit within the next 30 days. Among the non-college smokers, smoking rates significantly differed by demographic factors, such as gender and employment status. Conclusions: The notably higher smoking rates among non-college young adult smokers highlight the need for increased attention on this subpopulation. Furthermore, while these two groups have similar intentions to quit smoking, significant differences were found in smoking behaviors and quitting histories by various demographic factors, suggesting that this group may face different challenges or barriers in cessation. Further research should be conducted to ascertain whether these groups differ in cessation knowledge and attitudes, which may better inform cessation media campaigns and interventions.

Learning Objectives:

• 1)Characterize differences in smoking prevalence among 18-24 year olds by college status
• 2)Describe smoking behaviors of non-college young adults in the U.S.

Keywords: Tobacco,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered