Prevalence of daily and experimental smoking among University of Wisconsin-Madison undergraduates, 1989-1993

Abstract

Limited information is available on smoking among college students. This study surveyed smoking prevalence and frequency among University of Wisconsin-Madison undergraduates aged 17 to 22 (n = 6,069) during the years 1989 through 1993. Sampling was conducted before and after the implementation of a smoke-free campus policy. Daily smoking remained constant across the 5 years at just under 10% of the sample; males showed a trend toward increased daily smoking (7.8% to 11.7%), while females showed a declining trend (10.2% to 8.4%). Additionally, 27% engaged in experimental smoking (smoking every few days, weeks, or months), resulting in a disturbing overall rate of tobacco use: about 37% of all students. These data indicate a need for more directed efforts to help university students overcome the threat of tobacco addiction.