The impact of tobacco control programs on adult smoking.

Objectives: We examined whether state tobacco control programs are effective in reducing the prevalence of adult smoking.

Methods: We used state survey data on smoking from 1985 to 2003 in a quasi-experimental design to examine the association between cumulative state antitobacco program expenditures and changes in adult smoking prevalence, after we controlled for confounding.

Results: From 1985 to 2003, national adult smoking prevalence declined from 29.

Are menthol cigarettes a starter product for youth?

This study assessed the relationship between menthol use and nicotine dependence. Data from the National Youth Tobacco Survey indicated that menthol cigarette use was significantly more common among newer, younger smokers. Additionally, youth who smoked menthol cigarettes had significantly higher scores on a scale of nicotine dependence compared with nonmenthol smokers, controlling for demographic background and the length, frequency, and level of smoking.