Despite a significant decline in cigarette smoking over the past six decades, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has issued a new advisory revealing ongoing health disparities in tobacco use across various demographic groups. The report underscores unequal progress in smoking cessation among racial and ethnic minorities, as well as disparities based on income, education, gender identity, sexual orientation, occupation, geography, and health status.
Poverty emerges as a major driving force behind tobacco-related health inequities. The advisory notes that cigarette smoking is twice as common among individuals living in poverty compared to those who do not. Additionally, disparities in secondhand smoke exposure, particularly affecting children, Black people, and those of low socioeconomic status, have increased since 2000.
The report identifies several factors contributing to these disparities, including social determinants of health, targeted marketing by the tobacco industry, gaps in prevention protections, and barriers to smoking cessation treatments. Rural residents, those in the Midwest or South, individuals identifying as gay, lesbian, or bisexual, and those living with mental health conditions or substance use disorders are also more likely to use tobacco.
Dr. Murthy envisions a tobacco-free future with reduced disease burden in these population groups. He calls for addressing the root causes of tobacco-related disparities, reducing the appeal and availability of tobacco products, and implementing strategies to decrease tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure.
The Surgeon General emphasizes the importance of resources like 1-800-QUIT-NOW and smokefree.gov in helping people quit smoking, highlighting that immediate health benefits can be realized upon cessation. This advisory serves as a call to action for policymakers and healthcare providers to work towards eliminating tobacco-related health disparities and improving health equity across all communities.
“Surgeon General: Health Disparities Remain as US Smoking Rates Decline” (November 21, 2024)
