Since 1998, the rates have remained relatively stable. How tobacco use is defined varies among studies. Since 1991, rates of tobacco use have increased for males and females. African Americans have lower rates of use of tobacco. Black females have very low rates of use.
Females initiate tobacco use at a later age than males.
The frequency of use of tobacco by males and females vary. Among students who smoke, females are more likely to be frequent smokers. College students who are frequent users of tobacco generally started smoking at an earlier age than infrequent smokers. The number of former smokers has decreased during the 1990s. Students perception of the number of students using tobacco is much higher than the actual level of use.