Adult Cigarette Smoking

Purpose

To monitor and identify disparities that exist among in Rhode Island adult cigarette smokers to inform who is most at-risk for smoking-related health issues using Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

Key Information

Trends in cigarette smoking for adults age 18 and over by age, gender, race/ethnicity, household income, and highest education level attained.

Rhode Island Numbers 2012-2018

Overall Prevalence

By Gender

  • Smoking rates were similar for men and women.

By Age

  • Fewer older adults smoke cigarettes than younger adults.

By Race / Ethnicity

  • The smoking rates were similar among white, black and Hispanic adults.

By Income

  • Current smoking decreased with increasing income.
  • Smoking prevalence was significantly higher among adults with annual household incomes less than $25K.

By Education Level

  • Current smoking decreased with increasing education.
  • Adults with less than a high school education were significantly more likely to be smokers.

Definitions

  • Current smoking: Adults who have smoked at least 100 cigarettes (5 packs) in their life and now smoke either every day, or on some days.