Toward the 1990 objectives for smoking: measuring the progress with 1985 NHIS data

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Promotion
• Disease Prevention

Background:

• The 1985 National Health Interview Survey assessed progress toward national 1990 objectives for cigarette smoking.
• Key objectives included reducing smoking prevalence and increasing public awareness of health risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the achievement of 1990 national health objectives related to cigarette smoking.
• To assess the U.S. population's smoking prevalence and knowledge of smoking-related health consequences.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention component of the 1985 National Health Interview Survey.
• Analyzed smoking prevalence rates and public awareness levels regarding various health risks associated with smoking.

Main Results:

• The objective to reduce the proportion of U.S. smokers to below 25% was not achieved; current smoking prevalence is 31%.
• High public awareness exists regarding smoking risks for chronic obstructive lung disease (over 85%) and lung cancer (over 90%).
• Awareness is lower for smoking-related risks of other cancers (laryngeal, esophageal, bladder) and heart disease (over 85% aware).

Conclusions:

• The national goal for reducing smoking prevalence by 1990 was not met.
• Public knowledge objectives concerning the major health consequences of smoking have largely been achieved.
• Targeted public health campaigns may be needed to address specific cancer risks and further reduce smoking rates.