Health Indicator Report of Tobacco Use - Youth Frequent Smoking
Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Cigarette smoking increases risk of several cancers and other chronic conditions. Smoking is initiated and established primarily during adolescence, with more than 80% of adult smokers first smoking before age 18.
NotesYRRS tobacco questions do not distinguish between ceremonial/traditional and commercial tobacco use. The prevalence of frequent cigarette smoking among New Mexico high school students has decreased from 8.5% in 2003 to 5.8% in 2009. This coincides with a decrease in the US rate of frequent smoking over the past several years. In 2011, the New Mexico prevalence of frequent smoking was not statistically different from the US rate (5.8% vs. 6.4%).
- New Mexico Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey, New Mexico Department of Health and Public Education Department.
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data
Data Interpretation IssuesResponses are weighted to reflect youth attending public middle and high schools in New Mexico. The YRRS is administered in odd years.
DefinitionYouth frequent smoking is defined as a youth in grades 9-12 in a NM public school who reported smoking cigarettes on at least 20 of the past 30 days
NumeratorNumber of youth reporting frequent smoking in the past month
DenominatorTotal number of youth participating in the YRRS
Other ObjectivesSubstance Abuse Epidemiology Report Indicator
Page Content Updated On 11/30/2018, Published on 12/19/2018