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. 2009 Feb;11(2):171-7.
doi: 10.1093/ntr/ntp014. Epub 2009 Feb 19.

Changing age-specific patterns of cigarette consumption in the United States, 1992-2002: association with smoke-free homes and state-level tobacco control activity

John P Pierce  1 , Martha M White, Karen Messer
Affiliations

Changing age-specific patterns of cigarette consumption in the United States, 1992-2002: association with smoke-free homes and state-level tobacco control activity

John P Pierce et al. Nicotine Tob Res. 2009 Feb.

Abstract

Introduction: During the 1990s, both prevalence and average cigarette consumption declined in the United States, but age-specific changes have not been reported.

Method: All four of the nationally and state representative U.S. Current Population Surveys-Tobacco Use Supplements from 1991-2002 (n = 542,470) were analyzed for trends in cigarette consumption among smokers in three age groups: 18-29, 30-44, and 45-64 years. A strength of tobacco control index ranking state of residence was added and weighted logistic regression analyses undertaken.

Results: Over the decade, both prevalence and average consumption declined. Moderate-heavy smoking (> or =15 cigarettes/day [CPD]) prevalence fell strongly over the period in all three age groups. For those aged > or =30 years, this reduction was accompanied by a similar drop in total smoking prevalence. For those aged 18-29 years, this reduction was associated with an increase in very light smoking (<5 CPD; 12% daily and 88% intermittent smokers) to 22.5% of current smokers with a much smaller reduction in prevalence. Smoke-free homes more than doubled in each age group and mediated the increase in very light smoking levels. Smoke-free workplaces and the strength of tobacco control in the state were also important predictors. Very light smoking was particularly prevalent among college students and graduates.

Discussion: The marked reduction in prevalence of moderate-heavy smoking across age groups should translate into a reduced population risk of smoking-related disease in the near term. That this reduction is offset by an increase in light and intermittent smoking in young adults suggests the effectiveness of tobacco industry marketing and needs further research.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Smoking prevalence (moderate-heavy, medium, and light) among U.S. non-Hispanic White population, 1992–1993 to 2001–2002.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Prevalence of smoke-free homes among non-Hispanic White current smokers, by age and year, 1992–1993 to 2001–2002.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Proportion of light smokers among current non-Hispanic White smokers aged 18–29 years by educational status and presence or absence of smoke-free homes.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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