Adult Tobacco Use Levels After Intensive Tobacco Control Measures: New York City, 20022003
Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH,
Farzad Mostashari, MD, MSPH,
Bonnie D. Kerker, PhD,
Nancy Miller, PhD,
Anjum Hajat, MPH and
Martin Frankel, PhD
Thomas R. Frieden, Farzad Mostashari, Bonnie D. Kerker, Nancy Miller, and Anjum Hajat are with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Martin Frankel is with the Department of Computer Information Systems, Baruch College Zicklin School of Business, City University of New York.
Correspondence: Requests for reprints should be sent to Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 125 Worth St, Room 331, CN #28, New York, NY 10013 (e-mail: tfrieden{at}health.nyc.gov).
Objectives. We sought to determine the impact of comprehensivetobacco control measures in New York City.
Methods. In 2002, New York City implemented a tobacco controlstrategy of (1) increased cigarette excise taxes; (2) legalaction that made virtually all work-places, including bars andrestaurants, smoke free; (3) increased cessation services, includinga large-scale free nicotine-patch program; (4) education; and(5) evaluation. The health department also began annual surveyson a broad array of health measures, including smoking.
Results. From 2002 to 2003, smoking prevalence among New YorkCity adults decreased by 11% (from 21.6% to 19.2%, approximately140000 fewer smokers). Smoking declined among all age groups,race/ethnicities, and education levels; in both genders; amongboth US-born and foreign-born persons; and in all 5 boroughs.Increased taxation appeared to account for the largest proportionof the decrease; however, between 2002 and 2003 the proportionof cigarettes purchased outside New York City doubled, reducingthe effective price increase by a third.
Conclusions. Concerted local action can sharply reduce smokingprevalence. However, further progress will require nationalaction, particularly to increase cigarette taxes, reduce cigarettetax evasion, expand education and cessation services, and limittobacco marketing.
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