Trends in cigarette smoking among high school youth in Wisconsin and the United States, 1993-2004.

Trends in current cigarette smoking among high school students in Wisconsin and the United States were examined using data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System and the Youth Tobacco Survey. Data were analyzed for years 1993 through 2004. Results of the analyses reveal an increasing prevalence in current smoking among high school youth in both Wisconsin and the United states during most of the 1990's, followed by a downward trend. During the period under consideration, peak prevalence is observed for the United States in 1997 (36.4%), with rates decreasing to 22.3% in 2004. In Wisconsin, rates peaked during 1999 (38.1%) and decreased to 20.9% in 2004. Subgroup analyses of Wisconsin data show similar rates of smoking among females (21.9%) and males (19.8%) in 2004. Analysis by grade demonstrate a narrowing of the gap between the oldest and the youngest grades over time, with all 4 grades displaying decreasing rates in current smoking. Overall, the findings are very positive, and suggest that efforts aimed at reducing tobacco use among our youth have been effective at both the state and national level. However, recent cuts in state and federal funding have led to reductions in tobacco control program initiatives. Thus, vigilant monitoring is crucial as we continue to work towards the "Healthy People 2010" goal that states that no more than 16% of high school students will report current cigarette use.