Disparities in Tobacco Use
Tobacco Use Disparities Among Adolescents and Young Adults
Adolescents are at high risk of tobacco use and are likely to continue to use tobacco products into adulthood when they start at younger ages. Nicotine can affect the developing brain and can cause long-term addiction. Although cigarette use has decreased among adolescents and young adults, e-cigarette use continues to remain prevalent.
Among youth, current cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use are higher among non-Hispanic White and lower among non-Hispanic Black high school students compared to the national average for this group. In contrast, current cigar smoking is higher among Hispanic high school students than the national average. The disparities in tobacco use among Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White youth have persisted in the most recent decade (Figures 2.4.1 and 2.4.2).
Among youth, current cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use are higher among non-Hispanic White and lower among non-Hispanic Black high school students compared to the national average for this group. In contrast, current cigar smoking is higher among Hispanic high school students than the national average. The disparities in tobacco use among Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White youth have persisted in the most recent decade (Figures 2.4.1 and 2.4.2).