Racial and/or Ethnic, Sex, and Age Differences in Smoking Prevalences Among Youth and Young Adults

Prevalence of tobacco use varies by age, sex, and race and/or ethnicity in youth and young adults. Understanding patterns of smoking behaviors across this age spectrum and racial and/or ethnic and sex groups is important for planning and implementing prevention and cessation strategies.

Data from waves 1 (2013-2014) through 7 (2022-2023) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study was used to assess changes in smoking behaviors over time in a nationally representative cohort of youth and young adults. Analyses were stratified by race and/or ethnicity (Black, Latino, and White), sex, and age group (12-17, 18-20, 21-24 years) to explore differences in current cigarette use.

Differences in smoking patterns were evident by race and/or ethnicity, sex, and age. Cigarette use prevalences were generally highest among White youth and young adults, although this pattern did not extend to all sex and age groups. Among those aged 21-24 at baseline, Black male respondents had the highest prevalences of cigarette use over time, from 41.9% at wave 1%-32.7% at wave 7, and Latino male respondents had the highest prevalences of e-cigarette use at waves 5-7 (18.3%, 15.8%, and 20.4%, respectively). Black, Latino, and White female respondents consistently exhibited lower cigarette and e-cigarette use prevalences than their male counterparts.

There are notable variations in smoking patterns by race and/or ethnicity, sex, and age. These differences in smoking behaviors underscore the need for tailored public health interventions with customized strategies to address distinct risks and observed patterns.