Nationally, smoking prevalence by education is statistically comparable to Rhode Island. Once again, however, quitting behavior appears higher for U.S. adults in all education groups. Smoking rates appear higher for Whites and African-Americans than for Hispanics. This may partially explain some of the health disparities experienced by African-Americans. It would be especially misleading to represent any statewide data on quitting rates of minority smokers.
Research shows that smoking cessation has major and immediate benefits for smokers of all ages.
After one year of quitting cigarettes, the excess risk of heart disease is reduced by half. After 10 years, the risk of lung disease is less than one half that of a continuing smoker, and in 15 years, the risk of stroke is similar to those who have never smoked. However, limited resources for tobacco control necessitate that cessation strategies address the special needs of high-risk groups, such as those identified here. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Healthy People 2010 .