Adult Tobacco Use Statistics

Early Release

Cigarette smoking prevalence is among the topics covered by the Early Release Program which publishes selected estimates from the NHIS on a quarterly basis and shows trends. To access this information, click on the data year of interest (full or partial) and scroll down to “Current Smoking.”

Tables of Summary Health Statistics

Beginning with data year 2013, Tables of Summary Health Statistics from the National Health Interview Survey are released as online-only tables and replace the Series 10 report format. The Summary Health Statistics section of the NHIS website includes the adult health behavior tables which were also previously released as Series 10 reports.

Series 10 Reports

Cigarettes smoking estimates from the NHIS were published in selected NCHS Series 10 reports, including “Summary Health Statistics for U.S. Adults” (published annually) and “Health Behaviors of Adults,” (published tri-annually.) Series 10 reports were discontinued in 2013.

NCHS Data Briefs

Data Briefs are statistical publications that provide information about current public health topics, including tobacco use, in a straightforward format.

National Health Statistics Reports

This report series, introduced by NCHS in June 2008, replaced the Advance Data Reports series. These reports provide annual data summaries, present analyses of health topics, or present new information on methods or measurement issues.

Advance Data Reports

Smoking statistics have been published in selected reports. Review report titles to identify reports of interest. This report series was discontinued mid-year 2008 and was replaced with the National Health Statistics Reports series.

Health E-Stats

Health E-Stats are web-published NCHS reports that cover a variety of health topics, including tobacco use.

Health, United States

This annual report to Congress contains several tables showing estimates of tobacco use based on data from the NHIS Sample Adult interview. Go to the most recent edition of Health, United States. Go to the PDF document titled “Trend tables.” Then go to the section entitled “Health Determinants and Measures of Health.” These files are large and may take some time to download.

Healthy People 2010

Tobacco Use is Focus Area #27. It is also one of the leading health indicators tracked by the Healthy People Program.

Healthy People 2020

Tobacco use is among the national health objectives for the year 2020. Information about the objectives and progress toward meeting them can be accessed from the Healthy People website:

Surgeon General Reports

The Surgeon General of the Public Health Service has focused the Nation’s attention on important public health issues. Reports of the Surgeon General on the adverse health consequences of smoking triggered nationwide efforts to prevent tobacco use. The Office on Smoking and Health Website contains an archive of published reports by the Surgeon General.

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports (MMWR)

Cigarette smoking among adults is among the topics covered by the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports (MMWR). Selected estimates on cigarette smoking are published annually. Click on the link above, select the year of interest, and search for “Cigarette Smoking Among Adults”.

National Vital Statistics Reports (NVSR)

Cigarette smoking is among the topics covered in the National Vital Statistics Reports (NVSR). Click on the link above and search for “smoking.” This report series was initiated in 1998. It replaced the Monthly Vital Statistics (MVSR) series.

Monthly Vital Statistics Reports (MVSR)

Cigarette smoking among adults is among the topics covered in supplements to the Monthly Vital Statistics Reports (MVSR). Selected estimates on cigarette smoking are available in the following reports: Vol. 21, No. 3 and Vol. 18, No. 9. This series was discontinued in 1998 and was replaced with the National Vital Statistics (NVSR) series.

CDC Vital Signs – Tobacco Use

A report of recent findings from CDC’s tobacco monitoring systems – Published annually.