Learning Objectives: 1) Describe general prevalence, initiation, cessation and social norms/attitudes of young adult (ages 18-24) tobacco use. 2) Describe insights on these four topics gained from hearing commentary from young adults themselves. 3) Apply these insights to further research, policy and/or programmatic efforts.
Abstract: Audience– Target audiences would be racially, culturally, and professionally diverse, such as: (1) health care professionals in colleges, communities, and workplaces; (2) state and local tobacco program practitioners, (3) health communicators, (4) health educators, (5) young adults in college or not in college, (6) policy experts (7) community leaders, and (8) behavioral scientists.
Key points: * Young adults in college versus those not in college have different tobacco use trends, attitudes, and social norms – suggesting a need for special care when designing policy and/programmatic interventions. * Issues remain as to why the increase in young adult use is occurring. Some argue a cohort effect from higher smoking rates in the mid- to early 1990s, while others suggest the increase will be sustained. * Young adults across racial and SES lines report in focus groups that they are heavily marketed to by the tobacco industry.
Educational Experience– An interactive panel of presenters will (1) present their own findings and recommendations; (2) provide a cogent overview of other key findings in the literature as well as current marketing activities to this age group; (3) invite audience questions and participation regarding next best steps and relevance to their work. Benefits–This panel will address a frequently expressed need by the tobacco control community. Only recently has this cohort’s smoking rates increased, and little is known about why or how to best respond.
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