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Youth

Indiana Youth Tobacco Use Hits Historic Low, But Flavored Products and E-Cigarettes Remain a Concern

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Indiana youth tobacco use has reached its lowest levels in decades, but despite this progress, flavored products and e-cigarettes remain a significant concern for health officials. The 2024 Indiana Youth Tobacco Survey, released by the Indiana Department of Health, shows that cigarette use has plummeted from 31.6% in 2000 to less than 1% in 2024. However, e-cigarettes remain the most commonly used tobacco product among youth, with approximately 15,000 high school students and 5,000 middle school students reporting current use.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cigarette use among Indiana youth has dropped to its lowest level in two decades, from 31.6% in 2000 to less than 1% in 2024.
  • E-cigarette use has also declined, but remains the most commonly used tobacco product among youth, with 15,000 high school students and 5,000 middle school students reporting current use.
  • Approximately 49% of high school students believe it would be "somewhat or very easy" to get tobacco products if they wanted them.
  • Oral nicotine pouch use has increased, with the percentage of high schoolers who reported trying nicotine pouches doubling from 2.3% in 2022 to 5% in 2024.
  • One in three middle and high school students reported strong cravings or desire to use a tobacco product.
  • Over 4% of high school students reported current marijuana use, and many reported dual use of tobacco and marijuana.
  • Roughly one in three students live with someone who uses tobacco products, which may influence future use in youth.
  • About 25% of youth who have never used tobacco said they are susceptible to smoking in the future.

Statistics:

  • Cigarette use among Indiana youth dropped from 31.6% in 2000 to less than 1% in 2024.
  • E-cigarette use among high school students has fallen to 5%, the lowest rate since Indiana began data collection for e-cigarettes in 2012.
  • Approximately 15,000 high school students and 5,000 middle school students reported current e-cigarette use.
  • 49% of high school students believed it would be "somewhat or very easy" to get tobacco products if they wanted them.
  • Over 4% of high school students reported current marijuana use.
  • 4,800 public middle and high school students were surveyed for the 2024 Indiana Youth Tobacco Survey.

Sources:

  • https://www.in.gov/health/tpc/files/Highlights-from-the-2024-IYTS.pdf
  • https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/2023/06/28/youth-tobacco-use-declines-e-cigarettes-used-more-frequently/
  • https://www.in.gov/health/tpc/tobacco-21/
  • https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluLmdvdi92YXBlZnJlZWluZGlhbmEvIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDYyNy43ODg0NTg0MSJ9.J0MjffmD5qoCmLVGkXkIXDClQwfo_avwgdak9fia_ys/s/2652181311/br/209010901591-l

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