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Tobacco Cessation Should Target Populations With the Greatest Prevalence of Tobacco Use
In 2009, smoking prevalence varied by demographic characteristics. Significant disparities were found in age, race and education level. Montana young adults have the highest smoking prevalence of any age group (27% of Montanans aged 18-24 years compared to 9% of adults aged 65 or older). This survey also showed that 46% of American Indians smoked (compared to 13% of Whites). In addition, 23% of Montanans with a high school education or less were current smokers (compared to 8% of Montanans with a college education or more).
This information demonstrates the need for specific and targeted cessation strategies for groups of smokers with the highest use. |
Many Montanans Exposed to Secondhand Smoke at Home and in Vehicles
Although Montanans are free from secondhand smoke (SHS) in enclosed workplaces and public places, may people are still exposed to this toxic smoke in homes and cars. According to this latest survey, about 31,000 Montana adult non-smokers were exposed to SHS at home and an estimated 66,000 Montana adult non-smokers were exposed to SHS in vehicles. In addition, one in ten households with children allow smoking in the home.
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Environmental Strategies Can Affect Personal Behavior
In the past 20 years, the decrease in tobacco use has been tied to a variety of environmental changes. The most universal strategies used in the United States have been increased cigarette taxes and clean indoor air laws.
The strategy of increasing cigarette taxes help to increase quit attempts from smokers and decreases youth initiation of tobacco. Evidence of this behavior change is demonstrated with the smoking survey respondants. Over half (52%) of smokers reported that they would try to quit smoking if the tax increased an additional $1.00 or more on a pack of cigarettes. This strategy was about supported by the majority of those surveyed. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of survey participants said they would be supportive on a tax increase of cigarettes.
Clean indoor air policies are now being introduced to multi-unit housing around the country. Montanans reported their support of smokefree multi-unit housing policies. In this survey, 70% of multi-unit renters said they would support their landlord adopting a smokefree policy. (20% of multi-unit renters reported already having a smokefree housing policy!)
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