Trends in cigarette smoking: The Minnesota Heart Survey, 1980 through 1992

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to describe trends in the prevalence of cigarette smoking between 1980 through 1982 and 1990 through 1992 in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn. Methods. Three population-based surveys were conducted among adults 25 to 74 years of age in 1980 through 1982, 1985 through 1987, and 1990 through 1992. Results. Overall age-adjusted prevalences of cigarette smoking declined significantly between 1980-1982 and 1985-1987 and between 1985-1987 and 1990-1992. Serum thiocyanate, a biochemical marker for tobacco use, also declined significantly over the 3 periods. Conclusions. Favorable trends in smoking prevalence and cigarette consumption among smokers were observed, but disturbing trends in some smoking behaviors were also noted.