The effect of comprehensive state tobacco control programs on adult cigarette smoking

Abstract

This study is the second to use national survey data to assess the effect of comprehensive state tobacco control programs on adult cigarette smoking. Data are drawn from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (1991–2006) and reveal consistent evidence that these programs have a statistically significant effect to reduce prevalence of cigarette smoking among adults. Simulations indicate that had all states spent the CDC recommended level of funding from 1991 to 2006 then cigarette smoking prevalence would have been 1.40–8.07% lower in 2006, translating to between 635,000 and 3.7 million fewer adult cigarette smokers.