Work

A simulation of the effects of youth initiation policies on overall cigarette use

Year: 2000

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: We developed a simulation model to predict the effects of policies aimed at reducing smoking initiation by youths younger than 18 years. METHODS: The model projected the number of smokers, never smokers, and ex-smokers by age, sex, and racial/ethnic group and the effects of reductions in youth initiation. RESULTS: The model predicted that even if tobacco policies eliminated youth initiation, the number of smokers would not be halved for more than 30 years. If initiation were halved and some of the initiation were delayed rather than eliminated, substantially smaller reductions would result. CONCLUSIONS: Policies that increase cessation rates are needed to reduce the number of current smokers and the more near-term health problems.

Source: American Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.2105/ajph.90.8.1311

Authors: D T Levy, K M Cummings, A Hyland

Institution: University of Baltimore

Language: English

Topic: Smoking Behavior and Cessation

Subfield: Physiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation