Focus to Reduce Smoking Should Target the Young and Specific Ethnic Groups and Educational levels

Despite lawsuits, no-smoking zones, public disapproval, and campaigns showing the deadly health effects of smoking, Americans still smoke.

A report from the CDC today shows that from 1993 to 2001, the number of American adults who smoke dropped only slightly — from 25% to about 23%. And even though about one-quarter of Americans still smoke, these figures don’t include Americans under age 18. The report does include some good news, “a continuing decline in smoking among adults overall” between January and March 2001. However, it’s unlikely the U.S. will hit the Surgeon General’s national health objective to reduce smoking to 12% by 2010, the report concludes. The Data The CDC study involved personal interviews of a diverse sample of 33,000 adults, 74% responded. Each was asked: “Have you smoked 100 or more cigarettes in your entire life?” Those who answered “yes” were asked, “Do you now smoke cigarettes every day, some days, or not at all?” The findings for 2001: An estimated 46 million adults smoked. An estimated 38 million (82%) smoked every day; 41% of these were trying to quit. An estimated 45 million adults were former smokers. 25% of men smoked, compared with 21% of women. By ethnic group, Native Americans had the highest percentages of current smokers — 33%; Hispanics and Asians had the lowest percentages at 17% and 12 %, respectively. Current smoking was most prevalent in young adults — 27% of the 18-to-24 age group smoked; the 25-to-44 age group came in second, comprising 26% of smokers; lowest numbers came from those 65 or older, with 10% still smoking. The information should be used in campaigns to educate specific audiences on health effects of smoking, reads the CDC report. (Source: MMWR, Centers for Disease Control, Oct. 10, 2003: WebMD HEalth News)