Tobacco Use Among US Teens Remains a Concerning Public Health Issue

Strategic Insights -

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States, with alarming rates of use among US teens. A recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that one in nine teens use tobacco products, highlighting the need for greater vigilance and intervention. The data, from 2022, reveal disparities in current tobacco product use among US youths, with higher rates among students from certain racial and ethnic backgrounds, those identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual, and those experiencing severe psychological distress.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States, with one in nine US teens using tobacco products.
  • Current tobacco use occurs in 11.3% of teens, with disparities found among students from certain racial and ethnic backgrounds, those identifying as LGB or transgender, and those experiencing severe psychological distress.
  • The most commonly used tobacco product was electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), used by 14.1% of high school students and 3.3% of middle school students.
  • Students with low family affluence (12.5%) and low academic achievement (27.2%) were more likely to use tobacco products.
  • The National Youth Tobacco Survey found that 24.8% of middle and high school students reported ever having used any tobacco product, with 11.3% reporting current use.
  • Social determinants of health, such as racial and ethnic background, LGB status, severe psychological distress, low family affluence, and low academic achievement, were associated with higher rates of tobacco use.

Statistics:

  • 11.3% of US teens reported current tobacco product use in 2022.
  • 24.8% of middle and high school students reported ever having used any tobacco product.
  • 14.1% of high school students and 3.3% of middle school students used electronic cigarettes.
  • 13.5% of non-Hispanic American Indian (AI) or Alaska Native (AN) students used tobacco products.
  • 16.0% of students who identified as LGB used tobacco products.
  • 16.6% of students who identified as transgender used tobacco products.
  • 18.3% of students with severe psychological distress used tobacco products.

Sources:

  • Park-Lee E, Ren C, Cooper M, et al. Tobacco product use among middle and high school students--United States, 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2022 Nov 11;71(45):1429-1435. doi: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7145a1.