18 Year Old
18 Year Old: Smoking Initiation and Cessation among Youth
Smoking is a major public health concern that has been associated with numerous chronic diseases and premature mortality. Smoking initiation commonly occurs during adolescence and early adulthood. Early age of initiation of tobacco use is associated with sustained tobacco use and lower rates of smoking cessation. This article discusses the age of initiation of smoking among youth and its significance.
Findings from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) show that the age of initiation of cigarillos, filtered cigars, and/or traditional cigars among youth is a cause for concern. These products are not only cheaper than cigarettes but also easier to access as they are sold in most convenience stores. The study showed that initiation of cigar use is prevalent among 18- to 21-year-olds, and traditional cigar use is most prevalent among 22- to 23-year-olds. These findings indicate that efforts in tobacco control should focus on young adults.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) instituted a federal rule banning the sale of cigars to minors under the age of 18 years old in May 2016. Several states also have their laws to prevent youth access to tobacco products. These laws include the prohibition of selling tobacco products to minors, the prohibition of tobacco use on school grounds, and the prohibition of the distribution of free samples of tobacco products. While these measures may reduce access to tobacco products, they are not sufficient to prevent youth smoking initiation entirely.
Cigar use among adolescents and young adults remains high in the United States. In fact, 14.4% of adolescents (middle and high school students) and 44.5% of young adults (18- to 24-year-olds) report using tobacco products, including cigars. Evidence shows that adolescent smoking initiation and transition to daily cigarette use have decreased in recent years. However, the same is not true for young adults, for whom smoking initiation and daily smoking rates remain high.
In conclusion, smoking initiation remains prevalent among youth, particularly young adults. This underscores the importance of continued and increased efforts in tobacco control. Evidence-based strategies, including increasing taxes on tobacco products, implementing comprehensive smoke-free policies, and implementing mass media campaigns, have been shown to be effective in reducing tobacco use initiation and promoting cessation. Policymakers and health professionals must continue to work together to prevent smoking initiation and reduce smoking rates among youth, especially among young adults aged 18 to 23 years.