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Action on Smoking and Health
A National Legal-Action Antismoking Organization Entirely Supported by Tax-Deductible Contributions
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New Study: U of Minn. Students Smoking Rates are Down; Students Lobby for Statewide Smoking Ban [11/05-3]
Excerpts from: Study: U Students Are Smoking Less
WCCO.com [11/05/04]
Smoking by University of Minnesota students has declined over the past five years, but more male students lit up this year than in 2003, according to a new study.
The study released Thursday by the university's Boynton Health Service showed the student smoking rate hit a high of 42 percent in 1998 but has declined steadily to 27 percent this year.
"That's still at a very high level, higher than we'd like it, but it has dropped dramatically," said Ed Ehlinger, Boynton Health Service director.
The survey, conducted last spring, is based on responses from 3,358 students. The survey classified anyone who used tobacco in the past month as a current smoker.
Among the findings: fewer first-year students are smoking -- that rate dropped from 53 percent in 1998 to 20 percent this year. The survey also found that 35 percent of student smokers had tried to quit at least once, and that nearly 9 percent tried to quit eight or more times.
"It's a really addictive substance and for some it will be more difficult than others," said Dave Golden, public health and marketing director at Boynton. "We just need to make sure they are getting the services they need."
In 2000, women students smoked more than men, and their numbers have steadily dropped, but male smokers went up from 29 percent last year to 35 percent this year. The reason is not known.
Ehlinger released the survey at a university-sponsored conference for health officials from local agencies and more than 20 colleges. They compared notes on campus anti-smoking efforts.
Smoking rates among young adults have alarmed tobacco researchers, prompting the Minnesota Health Department and other groups to conduct a statewide survey of 9,000 people in 2002 and 2003. That study, released earlier this year, found 40 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds said they smoked at least once in a while, and a third smoked every day, nearly twice the rate of older adults.
The 18-to-24 age group is significant because it's "the youngest legal market for the tobacco companies right now," Ehlinger said.
A second survey by the Boynton Health Service looked at exposure to second-hand smoke. It found that more than 70 percent of the smoke students are exposed to is in bars and restaurants. Only 3 percent of nonsmokers were exposed to smoke on campus, where smoking is banned in and near buildings.
Ehlinger said the university will lobby for a statewide smoking ban in next year's legislative session.
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