TRENDS IN CIGARETTE-SMOKING AMONG US ADOLESCENTS, 1974 THROUGH 1991

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to determine national trends in adolescent cigarette smoking prevalence. Methods. We conducted tre nd analyses based on 1974 through 1991 current smoking prevalence data among persons aged 12 through 19 years from the National Household Su rveys on Drug Abuse, High School Seniors Surveys, and National Health interview Surveys. Results. Overall smoking prevalence declined much m ore rapidly from 1974 through 1980 (1.9 percent age points annually am ong younger adolescents; the range among surveys of older adolescents was 0.2 to 2.0 percentage points annually) than from 1985 through 1991 (0 to 0.5 percentage points annually among all adolescents). Since 19 80, smoking has generally declined at a slightly faster rate among old er female adolescents than among male adolescents. Smoking among Black adolescents of all ages declined in nearly every survey population du ring each study period (range among surveys: 1974-1985 = 1.0 to 2.9 pe rcentage points; 1985-1991 = 0.7 to 1.5 percentage points annually); f or White adolescents, only minimal declines in smoking have occurred s ince 1985. Conclusions. Since 1974, major changes in adolescent smokin g patterns have occurred, especially among Blacks. The overall slowing rate of decline in smoking prevalence since 1985 may indicate success of increased tobacco advertising and promotional activities targeted at adolescents or inadequate antitobacco education efforts.