- Approximately 13% of college aged students (ages 18-24) smoke cigarettes
In 2015, nearly 7 in 10 adult cigarette smokers wanted to stop smoking
- ...and more than 5 in 10 adult cigarette smokers had made a quit attempt in the past year
- In high schools nationwide in the past 30 days, 20% reported using a tobacco product in the past 30 days
- 75% of Missouri college students have not used a tobacco product in the past year
- Missouri college students report rates of use of tobacco products in the past year as follows (check all that apply):
- Of students who report using the above tobacco products in the past year, the following use that product every day:
- Of students who use tobacco:
- 64% have tried to quit since entering college
- 32% are currently trying to quit or use less often
- 78% of Missouri college students support having smoke-free outdoor university areas
- 82% would prefer to go to a bar or restaurant that is smoke-free
- Males are more likely to smoke than females (15% of U.S. adult males vs 13% of females)
- Cigarette smoking is highest among American Indians and Alaskan natives and people of multiple races, and lowest among Asian Americans
- Individuals living below the poverty line are nearly twice as likely to smoke as those living at or above poverty level (26% vs 14%)
- The Midwest has the highest rate of cigarette smoking (almost 19% of the U.S.)
- Individuals with disabilities smoke at higher rates than individuals with no disability (21% vs 14%)
- Individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, and bisexual were more likely to be smokers than their heterosexual peers (20% vs 15%)
- Electronic cigarettes (known as e-cigarettes, vapes, etc.) are electronic nicotine delivery systems that use battery packs to convert liquid nicotine into a mist or vapor that is inhaled. E-cigarette use is popular among teens and are now the most commonly used for of tobacco among youth in the U.S. (NIDA). E-cigarette use is viewed as less harmful than traditional tobacco products and due to targeted marketing, flavored liquids, and availability, they are very appealing to this age group.
- E-cigarette use may serve as an introductory product for youth and is associated with an increased likelihood in use of other tobacco products.
- The health risks of e-cigarette use include addiction, as nicotine is highly addictive. Use of e-cigarettes also involves heating chemicals and metal before inhaling and the vapor has been shown to contain carcinogens (cancer causing substance) and other toxic chemicals which impact lung health. Use during youth can also impact brain development, attention, learning, mood, and impulse control.
- JUULs are one type of electronic cigarette that are becoming increasingly popular among youth. JUULs resemble a USB drive, can be charged in a USB port and emit little to no detectable vapor.
- JUUL pods contain as much nicotine as a pack of cigarettes and deliver nicotine more quickly and at higher doses than other e-cigarettes, which can increase the risk of addiction.
Click on a brief below for more information.