Decline in Cigarette Smoking Among Connecticut's Youth and Variations in Attitudes

Strategic Insights -

According to a survey released by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), the rate of cigarette smoking among middle and high school students in Connecticut continues to decline. The survey, part of the Connecticut School Health Survey (CSHS) conducted in cooperation with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Connecticut State Department of Education, found that attitudes about smoking vary significantly between smokers and non-smokers. The results of the Youth Tobacco Component (YTC) survey highlight the need for continued evaluation of youth tobacco prevention efforts and cessation programs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The rate of cigarette smoking among Connecticut's middle and high school students continues to decline, with 20.8% of high school students reporting current tobacco use in the 2009 survey, down from 22.6% in 2007.
  • Nearly 9,000 Connecticut middle and high school students smoked their first cigarette before the age of 11, as stated by DPH Commissioner Dr. J. Robert Galvin.
  • Smokers believe that smoking has social benefits, such as fitting in or looking cool, at a higher rate than non-smokers.
  • The survey analyzed anonymous responses from 4,616 students in grades 6-12, providing valuable data for evaluating youth tobacco prevention efforts and cessation programs.
  • The Connecticut Department of Public Health's mission is to protect and promote the health and safety of the people of the state, highlighting the importance of addressing youth tobacco use.
  • The CSHS survey was conducted in the spring of 2009, assessing students' attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors related to tobacco use.

Statistics:

  • 20.8% of high school students reported current tobacco use in the 2009 survey, a decline from 22.6% in 2007 (DPH, 2007 and 2009 surveys).
  • Nearly 9,000 Connecticut middle and high school students smoked their first cigarette before the age of 11 (DPH, 2009 survey).
  • 4,616 students in grades 6-12 participated in the 2009 survey (DPH, 2009 report).

Sources:

  • Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), 2009 Youth Tobacco Component (YTC) report
  • Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), 2007 Youth Tobacco Component (YTC) survey
  • Connecticut Department of Public Health, press release (no date provided)
  • Connecticut School Health Survey (CSHS)
  • Connecticut State Department of Education
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) website: www.ct.gov/dph