CDC report on Adult Tobacco Survey highlights disparities

According to data from the Adult Tobacco Survey of 19 states from 2003 to 2007:

• 25% of adults identifying as multiracial or other race were current smokers. This is a greater percentage than in any other racial/ethnic category.
• Adults with some or no high school education smoked more than adults with higher levels of education.
• 82% of current smokers who were non-Hispanic Black usually smoked menthol cigarettes – as opposed to 30.7% of all smokers.

The CDC report, “Adult Tobacco Survey--19 States, 2003–2007” is a surveillance summary released on April 16, 2010 in the form of a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The complete report is available for free at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/ss/ss5903.pdf.

Data from the Adult Tobacco Survey of 19 states from 2003 to 2007* indicate that:

• 25% of adults identifying as multiracial or other race were current smokers. This is a greater percentage than in any other racial/ethnic category.
• Adults with some or no high school education smoked more than adults with higher levels of education.
• 82% of current smokers who were non-Hispanic Black usually smoked menthol cigarettes – as opposed to 30.7% of all smokers.

Lessons from specific states

The CDC’s report highlights certain state actions and programs, drawing from them lessons that could benefit the overarching effort to mitigate tobacco-related health disparities.

For example, adding specific questions or modifying sample design in order to determine smoking prevalence in certain populations. This, in turn would aid strategic planning processes that ensure tobacco control programs identify and reach populations suffering from a disproportionate tobacco burden.

• In 2005, Adult Tobacco Survey data from Montana pointed to high rates of smoking among pregnant women. These data were in turn used to educate policymakers and the public about the problem.
• Starting in 2003, Illinois began collecting data regarding sexual orientation of respondents, leading to the finding that homosexuals and bisexuals exhibited higher rates of smoking than heterosexuals.

Taking additional steps can help ensure that effective tobacco-control programs and policies are reaching populations experiencing tobacco-related disparities.

• Some states have sought input from community members as they develop strategic plans to address tobacco-related disparities.
• Florida plans to increase data collection related to specific populations and to implement culturally specific interventions targeting tobacco use, exposure to secondhand smoke, and tobacco policies for specific populations.