For 1978-1991, current cigarette smokers include persons who reported smoking at least 100 cigarettes in their lives and who reported at the time of survey that they currently smoked. For 1992 and 1993, current smokers include persons who reported smoking at least 100 cigarettes in their lives and who reported at the time of survey that they currently smoked every day or on some days. For 1978-1991, current cigarette smokers include persons who reported smoking at least 100 cigarettes in their lives and who reported at the time of survey that they currently smoked. For 1992 and 1993, current smokers include persons who reported smoking at least 100 cigarettes in their lives and who reported at the time of survey that they currently smoked every day or on some days. Current smokers include persons who reported smoking at least 100 cigarettes in their lives and who reported at the time of survey that they currently smoked every day or on some days.
White adolescents have the highest smoking rates.
African American adolescents have the lowest smoking rates. For all ethnicities combined, adolescent smoking rates progressively increase from the 9th to the 12th grade. Develop outreach education efforts aimed at cigarette smoking prevention and cessation, particularly among African American male adults and other groups with high cigarette smoking rates. Target adolescents with messages about the benefits of not smoking and quitting. Encourage physicians to talk to their patients about the importance of smoking cessation.