State-Specific Prevalence of Cigarette Smoking and Smokeless Tobacco Use Among Adults—United States, 2009

November 5, 2010 / Vol. 59 / No. 43

MMWR Introduction

To assess current cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco use among adults, CDC analyzed data from the 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The report indicates wide variation in self-reported cigarette smoking prevalence and smokeless tobacco use. The report also provides data on the percentage of cigarette smokers who also use smokeless tobacco. Smoking prevalence among U.S. states and territories ranged from 6.4% (U.S. Virgin Islands) to 25.6% (Kentucky and West Virginia); smokeless tobacco use ranged from 0.8% (U.S. Virgin Islands) to 9.1% (Wyoming); and use of smokeless tobacco among cigarette smokers ranged from 0.9% (Puerto Rico) to 13.7% (Wyoming). In many states, cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco use were higher among men than women. The findings in this report underscore the importance of monitoring other forms of tobacco use besides cigarette smoking.