California has led the nation in reducing smoking.1
California has been a national leader in efforts to reduce smoking. As a major contributor to a range of chronic diseases, reducing smoking is a priority for living well. Smoking rates vary considerably by gender, race/ethnicity, income, and geography. By reducing these disparities and striving to achieve the 2022 target to bring the state’s overall smoking rate to 9 percent, California can continue to be a leader in efforts to lower smoking rates.1
Indicator Progress
In 2012 (baseline year), 12.7% of adults are current smokers. The current value in 2018 was 9.7%. The updated 2034 target is to be determined (TBD).
More Data about Adult Tobacco Use
Adult Tobacco Use
Note: The baseline has changed from the original LGHC 2012 Task Force Report due to changes in survey methodology of the data source in 2012.
Baseline
12.7%
Target
TBD
Indicator Highlights
Smoking rates declined from 23.7 percent in 1988, to 11.6 percent in 2014, reflecting a 51 percent decline since the California Tobacco Control Program began.2
The California Tobacco Control Program’s smoke free policies, media campaign and smoking cessation services have been credited with saving 1 million lives and $134 billion dollars in health care costs.2
Disparities & Trends
African Americans smoke more than other race/ethnic groups, with few differences between men and women.2
Gender differences in smoking rates are substantial within the Asian/Pacific Islander and Hispanic populations in California.2
In California, smoking rates decrease with higher levels of income. With the highest rates observed for the poorest individuals. Smoking also declines with greater levels of education.2
Trends in California’s adult tobacco use rates have stalled in the last few years. A loss in momentum means that tobacco use rate may increase in the future which could have serious implications for reversing the substantial progress made in California to reduce tobacco related diseases and the associated health care cost savings that accrued as a result of the decline in smoking.2
The overall use of electronic cigarettes by adults nearly doubled in one year and nearly quadrupled for young adults between ages of 18-24.2
The California Smokers’ Helpline is a free statewide telephone based tobacco cessation program. Clinical trials consistently demonstrate that Helpline counseling approximately doubles the odds of successful long term quitting.2
Proportion of Adults Who are Current Smokers, Over Time
Proportion of Adults Who are Current Smokers, by Demographic Category
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