Oregon meets tobacco reduction goals, but vaping and disparities persist
Oregon achieved all 2017-2025 tobacco reduction goals, but e-cigarette use and disparities among certain groups remain.Summary
Oregon has met or exceeded all three tobacco-reduction goals for 2017–2025, according to a new report from the Oregon Health Authority. The report, "Evaluating the Impact of Statewide Policies on Tobacco Use and Sales," examines trends before and after Oregon implemented Tobacco 21, increased tobacco taxes through Ballot Measure 108, and Tobacco Retail Licensing. Cigarette smoking among eighth and 11th graders fell to about 1% and 2.8% in 2024, down from 4.3% and 8.8% in 2015. Adult smoking dropped from 17.1% in 2016 to 11% in 2024, exceeding the state's goal of 13.3%. Per-capita cigarette sales fell from 38.3 packs in 2016 to 21 packs in 2024, surpassing the goal of 34 or fewer packs. Youth e-cigarette use also declined, but adult e-cigarette use increased through 2023 before declining in 2024. Despite overall progress, tobacco use remains higher among certain groups, including some gender-nonconforming youth, American Indian/Alaska Native and North African/Middle Eastern youth, as well as Black/African American and American Indian/Alaska Native adults, bisexual adults, those with less than a college education, lower incomes, and the unemployed or unable to work. The report recommends continued investment in prevention and cessation programs, particularly in affected communities, and notes that the findings do not establish direct causation.
(Source：Ktvz)
