Other research has supported these findings.
Children whose parents closely monitor their television and music-listening habits are less likely to drink, use drugs, and smoke cigarettes.
Neglected children, or children with absentee parents, were four times as likely to abuse drugs, drink, and smoke as children living with parents who were regularly present and who offered a structured lifestyle.
In a 2002 study, children who regularly attended religious services were also less likely to smoke.
Doctors can have a major effect on young people. However, in one survey, less than half of teenagers had ever been asked by their doctors if they smoked or were counseled not to smoke, even though most teen smokers said they would admit to it if asked.
Gender, Age, and Ethnicity
More American men smoke than women. The following chart details the rate of current smoking in the United States among adults aged 18 years and over, grouped by age and sex:
| Age | Total | Men | Women |
| 18 - 44 years | 24.1% | 27.1% | 21.2% |
| 45 - 64 years | 21.9% | 25.2% | 18.8% |
| 65 years and older | 8.6% | 8.9% | 8.3% |
| Source: CDC/National Health Interview Survey 2005 | |||
While the number of adults over 65 who smoke is lower than those in other age groups, older adults usually have smoked for a long time (about 40 years) and tend to be heavier smokers, according to the American Lung Association. Because of this, older smokers are more likely to have smoking-related illnesses.
Caucasian students (under age 18) are more likely to smoke than Hispanics and African Americans. The rate of current smoking in people age 18 years and over, grouped by race and ethnicity, is as follows:
- Hispanic or Latino: 15.4%
- Caucasian: 22.5%
- African American: 21.1%
Source: CDC/National Health Interview Survey, 2005
Geography
In general, the rate of smoking is highest in the Midwest and South and lowest in the Northeast and West. Utah has the lowest rate of smoking in the United States.
The U.S. government's "Healthy People 2010'' guidelines call for reducing cigarette smoking among adults to 12% by the year 2010. The overall goal of the program is to reduce illness, disability, and death related to smoking, including secondhand smoke.
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