Tobacco Use Among Working Adults — United States, 2014–2016

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a study published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on tobacco use among working adults in the United States. The study analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) for the years 2014-2016 to describe the prevalence of current tobacco product use among working adults by industry and occupation.

Key Points:

* The study found that 22.1% of working adults in the US currently use some form of tobacco, with cigarettes being the most commonly used tobacco product.
* Any tobacco use was highest among workers in the construction industries (34.3%) and installation, maintenance, and repair occupations (37.2%).
* Multiple tobacco product use was highest among workers in the construction industry (7.1%) and installation, maintenance, and repair occupations (10.1%).
* Cigarette smoking was highest among workers in the accommodation and food services industry (24.0%) and construction and extraction occupations (25.8%).
* Other combustible tobacco product use was highest among workers in the utilities industry (9.0%) and protective services occupations (10.2%).
* Smokeless tobacco use was highest among workers in the mining industry (14.3%) and installation, maintenance, and repair occupations (9.6%).
* E-cigarette use was highest among workers in the accommodation and food services industry (5.8%) and installation, maintenance, and repair occupations (7.9%).
* The study highlights the importance of implementing evidence-based interventions to reduce tobacco use among working adults, particularly in industries and occupations with higher prevalences of tobacco use.

Main Message:
The study emphasizes the importance of implementing proven strategies to address tobacco use among working adults in the US. These strategies include anti-tobacco messages, comprehensive tobacco-free laws, providing comprehensive coverage for tobacco cessation treatments, increasing tobacco prices, and tailoring interventions to prevent initiation and encourage cessation among workers. The study also highlights the effectiveness of workplace tobacco-control interventions in reducing cigarette smoking prevalence and the potential benefits of integrating comprehensive and effective tobacco cessation programs into workplace health promotion programs. Overall, the study underscores the need for continued efforts to reduce tobacco use among working adults, particularly in industries and occupations with higher prevalences of tobacco use.

Syamlal, Girija, Brian A. King, and Jacek M. Mazurek. “Tobacco Use Among Working Adults — United States, 2014–2016.” MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 66, no. 42 (October 27, 2017): 1130–35. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6642a2.