CHANGES IN THE PATTERNS OF INITIATION OF CIGARETTE-SMOKING IN THE UNITED-STATES - 1950, 1965, AND 1980

We examined changes in the patterns of the rates of smoking initiation in the United States by gender for 1950, 1965, and 1980. Data from Na tional Health Interview Surveys on the ages people started smoking (su rvey years 1970, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1987, and 1988) were used to constr uct age-specific rates of smoking initiation for males and females 10 to 24 years of age for 1950, 1965, and 1980. We used information from 87,483 white respondents who were between 20 and 50 years of age when surveyed. In 1950, initiation was higher for males of all ages than fo r females, and smoking initiation rates were higher among those age 18 years and older compared to those younger. Although still somewhat hi gher, the rates for males in 1965 had declined much more than those fo r females, and the tendency for higher rates in older youth was still evident. In 1980, no gender difference was seen and most initiation cl early took place in those younger than 18 years of age. We concluded t hat the public health campaign has been successful in convincing older youth not to smoke. However, smoking initiation rates in younger adol escents have changed little, indicating that new approaches to tobacco control are necessary if smoking prevalence in the United States is t o be further reduced.