Santa Barbara County 1999 Community Health Findings

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The use of tobacco, in all its forms, has been shown to be the primary cause or contributing factor in the incidence of many disabling and potentially fatal disorders, including cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, circulatory problems and emphysema. Babies born to women who smoke during pregnancy tend to have lower birth weight and are more likely to die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Children's exposure to second-hand smoke increases their likelihood of developing asthma, colds, and ear infections. Despite this widely published information, about 17% of adults interviewed in our survey reported that they are current smokers. This compares somewhat favorably to the 1998 California Behavioral Risk Factor Survey, in which approximately 19% of Californians reported smoking. The Santa Barbara County rate for smoking is above the national goal stated in Healthy People 2000, for 15% or less of all adults to smoke.

To your best knowledge, does your child smoke cigarettes everyday, some days, not at all?

Data provided by parents estimates that 8.4% of 16-17 years old smoke. Actual prevalence of smoking in this age group is probably much higher.

Do you now smoke cigarettes everyday, some days, not at all?

While smoking rates in Santa Barbara County have consistently declined over the past 10 years, more than 1 in 5 young adults (age 18 - 30) is a smoker.

The harmful effects of smoking can be seen in the major causes of death our residents experience. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in our county with cancer the second leading cause of death. Lung cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed type of cancer for both men and women. Lung cancer deaths in our county were about 25 per 100,000 people between 1995 and 1997, which is just below the rate for California. The Healthy People 2000 national goal is no more than 29 lung cancer deaths per 100,000 people.

Along with information gathered through our survey, it should be noted that surveys done through other sources point out the threat that smoking poses, especially among our young people. In one such study, underage teenagers were able to purchase tobacco in 40% of stores in Santa Barbara County. In a survey on tobacco use at the University of California at Santa Barbara, 40% of students surveyed reported smoking within the past 30 days. Several partnerships have been formed to address and combat the prevalence of tobacco use in our communities, including CEASE, the Coalition Engaged in a Smoke-Free Effort, a consortium of local agencies and community members who are working to decrease tobacco use.

Summary: Tobacco Use

• Overall 17% of SB County adults smoke. The rate is higher among young adults (20%).

• Three quarters of those who smoke reported they would like to quit.

• On average, adults reported they are exposed to secondhand smoke for about an hour each day.