Youth Prevention

Research

Adolescent cigarette smokers' and non-cigarette smokers' use of alternative tobacco products
According to an article published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research, the prevalence of alternative tobacco product use (tobacco products other than cigarettes) increased by 5.9% between 2004 and 2009 among adolescents ages 14-17 who do not smoke cigarettes. Researchers analyzed data from the 2004, 2006, and 2009 National Youth Tobacco Surveys, and found that if adolescent smokers and nonsmokers use one type of alternative tobacco product, then they are more likely to use one or more of the other alternative tobacco products. The authors stress that more research on alternative tobacco products is needed to have a comprehensive understanding of youth tobacco use. Click here to read more.

Hookah use among U.S. college students: Results from the National College Health Assessment II
A recent study has found that the demographics of college students who smoke hookah only or smoke hookah and cigarettes (dual users) are different from college students who only smoke cigarettes or do not smoke at all. The researchers analyzed data from the 2008-2009 National College Health Assessment II to identify risk factors for hookah use, cigarette smoking, and dual use among college students aged 18 to 24. Based on the findings that identified certain demographic risk factors for hookah use and dual use, the researchers believe hookah use prevention interventions on college campuses should be tailored accordingly. Read the study abstract in Nicotine & Tobacco Research by clicking here.

top

Reports

Preventing Tobacco Use Among Youth and Young Adults - New Surgeon General's Report and related resources
A new Surgeon General’s Report on preventing tobacco use among youth and young adults has been released. The report summarizes research on the epidemiology, causes, and health effects of smoking among young people, noting that over 600,000 middle school students and more than three million high school students smoke cigarettes. The report also highlights that approximately 1.5 million children under the age of 18 will try their first cigarette in 2012, and the younger children are when they try tobacco, the more likely they are to become addicted. The report concludes that successful tobacco use prevention programs pay for themselves in lives and health care dollars saved, and that the most effective programs are those that are funded at or near CDC-recommended levels. Click here to read a press release from CDC about the new report, or click here to access the full report and related resources, including a 24 page executive summary, easy-to-read Consumer Guide, and highlight sheets in English and Spanish.

CDC video contest: "Tobacco-I'm Not Buying It"
In conjunction with the 2012 Surgeon General’s report on tobacco use among youth and young adults, CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health (OSH) has launched a video contest called “Tobacco-I’m Not Buying It.” This contest invites youth and young adults (ages 13-25) to submit original videos that feature one or more of the key findings from the report. Submissions will be judged on the best use and depiction of key messages and recommendations contained in the report. Click here for further details about the contest and submission guidelines. Video submissions are being accepted through April 20, 2012.

Warning to Parents: How Big Tobacco targets kids today
Following on the heels of the new Surgeon General’s Report on tobacco use among youth and young adults, a new report from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids warns parents of the continued threat of tobacco industry marketing targeted at youth. The report notes that while tobacco advertisements are no longer as visible in the United States due to bans on TV, radio, and billboard ads, tobacco companies still spend $10.5 billion on marketing efforts. Tobacco companies are investing in price discounts to make tobacco products more affordable, eye-catching signs and displays in convenience stores, and marketing of continually-changing products like flavored smokeless tobacco and sweet-flavored small cigars. Click here to view the report and accompanying slideshow, which shows photos of actual tobacco ads, product displays, and new kid-friendly products being introduced across the country.

Officials: Utah makes strides against teen smoking (UT)
The prevalence of youth smoking in Utah has decreased from 12% in 1999 to 5.9% in 2011. Health officials believe that a $1 per pack cigarette tax increase in 2010 and continued investments in statewide prevention programs have led to this achievement of a youth smoking rate that is far below the national average. While health officials are excited about the reduction in youth smoking, they note that 200,000 Utahan youth and adults are still smokers, and more work can be done to implement the recommendations in the new Surgeon General’s Report and protect both youth and adults from the dangers of tobacco use. Click here to read more.

top

Back to Table of Contents