CDC Survey Finds Decline in Washington State’s Adult Smoking Rates

In a national health study conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), researchers found that 16.5% of adults in Washington State were smokers in 2007, a decline of about 25% from 2000 and well below the national average of nearly 20%. Gov. Chris Gregoire issued a statement attributing the lower smoking rates to the State’s comprehensive smoking prevention and cessation programs. State health officials said they are offering nicotine replacement therapy products such as patches and gum to people on Medicaid in order to encourage smoking cessation among low-income smokers. In addition, a Tobacco Quit Line offers free assistance to all state residents.

The State’s smoking rates were higher among the low income group (32%) and those with a high school diploma or less (27%), respectively, the CDC reports. The smoking rate among people with an education beyond high school was 12% and the figure for those with an income above $25,000 was 14%. The CDC survey also found that the smoking rate remains higher among some minority groups such as African Americans, American Indians/Alaska Natives, lesbians, gays and bisexuals compared with whites, reports the Seattle Times.