College Students and Tobacco
Prepared by Hawai’i Department of Health
- In 1999, 46% of U.S. college students reported using a tobacco products within the past year. (1)
- The tobacco industry is targeting its advertisements to 5.3 million college students through bars, special concerts, college newspapers, and promotional samples. (2,3)
- Brown & Williamson, the third largest cigarette company, estimates their expenditure on college bar promotions to be $30 million annually. (3)
- In 1999, 29% of U.S. college students currently smoke* cigarettes. (1)
- 9% of U.S. college students currently smoke cigars. (1)
- In Hawai’i, 26.3% of 18 – 24 year ld are current smokers. (4)
- Colleges and Universities can reduce smoking by having smoke-free dormitories and strengthening smoking cessation programs. As of 2001, 27% of U.S. colleges banned smoking in dormitories and that the number was growing. (5)
- Over 40% of colleges report not having any smoking cessation program, and that programs offered are inadequate. (5)
Reference:
1. Rigotti, Nancy, et al (2000). US College Students’ Use Of Tobacco Products. Journal of the American Medical Association, 284(6).
2. Tench, Megan (2001). Tobacco Industry Targets College Population. Action on Smoking and Health. Available: no-smoking.org/march01/03-26-01-3.html [2001, 07/10/01].
3. National Center for Tobacco-Free Kids. Tobacco Company Marketing to College Students Since the Multistate Settlement Agreement Was Signed. Available; tobaccofreekids.org/research/factsheets/index23.shtml [2001, 07/09/01].
4. 2000 Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance Survey. Hawaii State Department of Health.
5. Action on Smoking and Health (2001). Smoking on college campus. Available:
no-smoking.org/march01/03-26-01-3.html [2001, 07/09/01].
*Current smoker: Respondents who reported ever smoking 100 cigarettes in their lifetime and who smoke now (both everyday and some days).