Linkage between Declines in Youth Smoking and Mississippi Tobacco Control

Audience:

People concerned with youth smoking prevalence and programmatic activity, as well as youth advocates and health officials will benefit from this presentation of data linking tobacco control programs with declines in youth smoking rates.

Key Points:

In 1998, Mississippi began implementing statewide tobacco control programs and also implemented its first Youth Tobacco Survey (YTS). For the past 13 years, the Mississippi YTS has served as one evaluation tool for these programs. Initiation of cigarette smoking, current smoking, and frequent smoking all decreased substantially during this period. These decreases coincided with the implementation of youth programs, an increase in the state cigarette tax, and 47 communities implementing comprehensive smoke-free ordinances.

Educational Experience:

The linkage between declines in youth smoking rates and specific aspects of Mississippi tobacco control programs will be presented on the poster and discussed during the poster session.

Benefits:

Application of the knowledge of this linkage will benefit tobacco control program coordinators and the youth whom they serve.