Young adult smoking behavior: implications for future population health.
OBJECTIVE
To qualitatively project the future health burden of tobacco from present-day young adult smoking behavior.


METHODS
Population surveys in California (2002) and nationally (1978-80, 2001-03).


RESULTS
In 2002, 40% of California young adult smokers were nondaily smokers, 24% had quit at some time for >or=6 months, 45% said they smoked less now than previously, and 68% thought they would quit within 5 years. Interest in quitting was high, and most were actively engaged in the smoking cessation process. Young adult smoking behavior changed from 1978-80 to 2001-03.


CONCLUSIONS
The future health burden from smoking will be less for the current generation of young adults.
Gilpin
Elizabeth A
EA
Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Moores UCSD Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
White
Victoria M
VM
White
Martha M
MM
Pierce
John P
JP
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002140:California / Q000453:epidemiology; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000639:trends; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D055815:Young Adult