Young adults aged 18 to 24 have the highest prevalence of smoking and use of noncigarette, nicotine-containing tobacco products than any other age-group.
3 For both male and female college students, cigarettes remain the most commonly used tobacco product. Smokeless tobacco, traditional cigars, and pipes are less common, while flavored cigarillos, hookah (water pipe), and e-cigarettes are gaining in popularity. According to the 2013 National Health Interview Survey, among young adults aged 18 to 24, 23% of men and 17% of women are current smokers.
4 The 2013 MTF survey
(Table 65.1) yielded similar results among young adults aged 19 to 28, with 20% reporting current smoking.
5 Whites have the highest use of tobacco products, followed by Hispanics, Asians, and Blacks.
4 College students who use tobacco are more likely to be single, White, and engaged in other risky behaviors involving substance use and sexual activity. Based on the Surgeon General report from 2012, of every three young smokers (i.e., AYAs), one will quit and one will die from tobacco-related causes.
1 The tobacco industry has overtly and heavily targeted young adult smokers, sponsoring events in bars and clubs, musical events, and movies popular with young adults.