Media Release

CONTACT: Robert J. Marshall Jr., Ph.D. (401) 222-2231
FOR: Immediate Release
DATE: November 15, 2000

Smoking Report Card on Rhode Island Adults:
Young Adults, Persons with a High School Education or less, and African-Americans Show Higher Risk for Cigarette Smoking in Rhode Island

Providence, Rhode Island, November 15, 2000 - In recognition of the American Cancer Society’s 24^th Great American Smokeout, the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) is releasing this report card to evaluate the progress toward a tobacco-free Rhode Island. During last year’s Smokeout event, HEALTH reported that adult cigarette smoking in Rhode Island declined slightly from 24% during 1991-1993 to 23% during 1996 - 1998. Information from the 1999 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), shows little change in overall smoking patterns since then. However, the 1999 data do show which groups of adults are most likely to develop health problems from tobacco use.

"Clearly, Rhode Island needs to do a better job of reducing tobacco use," said Dr. Patricia A. Nolan, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH). "These grades characterize our performance on public health goals related to protecting all adults, young adults, low education groups and minority populations from the health consequences of tobacco use. Grades of C, a C-, and two D's do not reflect well on our success in meeting this challenge. We need to do more, not just the Department of Health, but the entire Rhode Island community. Fortunately, we now have evidence from other states of what works to prevent smoking in kids and to help adults quit."

The following grades measure Rhode Island's progress in reducing cigarette smoking. These grades are based on relative smoking rates as well as public health goals for smoking among young adults, persons with a grammar school or high school education, and minorities. In general, a grade of C represents an adult smoking rate near the overall state and national average (22% to 23%), B indicates a substantially lower or better smoking rate, and D signals a substantially higher or worse smoking rate.

1. Rhode Island's Tobacco Control Efforts with Men and Women Grade C

Progress among Rhode Island men and women receives a C. The smoking rates for these groups (23% and 22%, respectively) mirror the state and national average. Overall, about 1 out of 5 adults smoke cigarettes in Rhode Island (168,000 persons). Smoking should continue to decline over time due to cessation. In 1999, nearly half of all adult smokers, both men and women, indicated that they quit smoking for one day or longer during the previous year.

2. Rhode Island's Tobacco Control Efforts with Young Adults Grade D

Progress among Rhode Islanders 18-34 years old receives a D. The smoking rate of 29% exceeds the state and national average. Smoking appears highest among young adults and declines steadily with age (12% in the 65+ age group). Greater smoking among younger adults reflects increased smoking among high school students. 40-50% of smokers, regardless of age, quit one or more days in the past year.

3. Rhode Island's Tobacco Control Efforts with Adults Having a Grammar School or High School Education Grade D

Progress among Rhode Islanders with a grammar school or high school education receives a D. The smoking rate of 3 out of 10 adults is substantially higher smoking rate than the state and national average. In contrast, less than 2 out of 10 adults with more than a high school education smoke cigarettes. Tobacco industry advertising is heavily geared toward persons with lower educational attainment. The good news is that quitting for one day or longer during the previous year occurred similarly across all educational levels (44% to 47% of smokers).

4. Rhode Island's Tobacco Control Efforts with African-American Adults Grade C -

Progress among African-Americans in Rhode Island receives a C -. The smoking rate of 28% exceeds the state and national average. Smoking contributes to many of the health disparities experienced by African-Americans statewide. In contrast, the smoking rate appears much lower among Rhode Island's Hispanic population (17%). However, due to small sample sizes, it is difficult to draw definite conclusions regarding differences in smoking behavior among racial/ethnic groups.