Learning Objectives: Describe the current trends in tobacco use and cessation among young adults
Abstract: Tobacco use among young adults in the U.S. has risen in the past decade causing reason for alarm in the tobacco control community. The exact cause is unclear, but young adults are subject to heavy targeting by the tobacco industry and tobacco control efforts may not be reaching this group, particularly college students. We are beginning to recognize the idiosyncrasies of young adults who often exhibit characteristics of both adolescents and adults, but have unique needs. Therefore, it is necessary to continue to monitor tobacco use and cessation behaviors while exploring their reasons for tobacco use and cessation preferences to develop effective interventions that prevent late initiation and encourage cessation.
The purpose of this study is to assess tobacco use and tobacco use cessation in young adults ages 18-24 years to understand their patterns for use, cessation attempts, and methods of quitting. Tobacco use and cessation behaviors will be presented looking across education level, gender, race and ethnicity, and socio-economic status. The data presented are nationally representative from the National Health Interview Survey; however, attendees will learn of other surveillance systems that can provide state-specific and local level data to aid them in examining tobacco use in their young adult population. Attendees will also become knowledgeable of the current trends in tobacco use among young adults as well as their cessation behaviors and preferences to expand their tobacco control efforts to meet the needs of young adults.
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