U.S. FDA Releases Latest PATH Study Data: Focus on Youth Tobacco Trends and Urban-Rural Disparities in Tobacco Use

Jul.02
U.S. FDA Releases Latest PATH Study Data: Focus on Youth Tobacco Trends and Urban-Rural Disparities in Tobacco Use
On July 1, the FDA released 2023 PATH data on youth tobacco use, highlighting trends and differences across urban, suburban, town, and rural areas to support targeted policymaking.

【2Firsts news flash】On July 1st, the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study project by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released two new datasets, including a novel data type targeted towards researchers conducting studies in specific regions, providing new resources for research inquiries.

 

The public use files specially collected in Wave 7.5 are now available through the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products and the National Institute on Drug Abuse at the National Institutes of Health. These data cover questionnaire responses from adolescents aged 12-17 and young adults aged 18-22, from April 2023 to December 2023.

 

Furthermore, the adult and adolescent/parent residential characteristics for Wave 6 (2021) and Wave 7 (2022-2023) restricted-use data files have been released. These variables categorize respondents' residential communities into four basic types: City, Suburban, Town, and Rural. Providing enhanced measurement indicators of respondents' locations will assist researchers in better understanding the relationship between tobacco use behaviors and community characteristics. Researchers can apply for data access permission.

 

In addition to the newly released data files mentioned above, the restricted use files collected in the 7.5th wave will also be made available for access in April 2025. Researchers can continue to apply for access to the restricted use files from waves one through seven, as well as the restricted use files containing biological markers. Data and documents from the public use files can also be downloaded, along with updated main link files.

 

The FDA has disclosed that the PATH study is a nationally representative longitudinal study based on families, targeting American adolescents aged 12 to 17 and adults. The study was initiated in 2011 with the aim of providing evidence for the FDA's regulatory activities under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Product| ELFBAR BC Series Debuts 30,000-Puff Device with Interactive LEDs & Extended Battery
Product| ELFBAR BC Series Debuts 30,000-Puff Device with Interactive LEDs & Extended Battery
ELFBAR's newly launched BC30000 features a 30,000-puff capacity powered by a 1100mAh battery. Its interactive LED screen displays animated emoticons with each puff while providing real-time e-liquid and battery status indicators.
Jun.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
FDA Launches National Priority Review Program: Drugs Aligned with U.S. Priorities May Be Approved in as Little as One Month
FDA Launches National Priority Review Program: Drugs Aligned with U.S. Priorities May Be Approved in as Little as One Month
The FDA has launched the Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher (CNPV) program, reducing the review time for certain drugs to as little as 1–2 months. While the program currently applies only to pharmaceuticals, it demonstrates the FDA’s capacity to reform its review pathways. Whether a similar mechanism could extend to tobacco products now appears to be a matter of timing and technical details.
Jun.18
Photo Gallery | 2025 Dubai E-Cigarette Expo Officially Opens, Over 300 New Tobacco Brands Gather and Showcase
Photo Gallery | 2025 Dubai E-Cigarette Expo Officially Opens, Over 300 New Tobacco Brands Gather and Showcase
The 2025 Dubai E-Cigarette Expo officially opened on June 18, with over 300 companies from around the world participating. As an official media partner, 2Firsts is on-site for the third time, providing in-depth coverage focused on exhibition updates, industry trends, and brand highlights. Exclusive photo galleries offer a direct look at the vibrant scenes from the expo floor.
Jun.18
Brazilian Health Minister Reaffirms Opposition to E-Cigarette Legalization, Supports Total Sales Ban
Brazilian Health Minister Reaffirms Opposition to E-Cigarette Legalization, Supports Total Sales Ban
On World No Tobacco Day 2025, Brazil’s Health Minister Alexandre Padilha reiterated his support for a total e-cigarette ban, backing the national policy that prohibits their sale, import, and advertising under RDC 855/2024.
May.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
British Virgin Islands to Host Smoke-Free Day, Highlight Tobacco Dangers
British Virgin Islands to Host Smoke-Free Day, Highlight Tobacco Dangers
To mark World No Tobacco Day 2025, the British Virgin Islands revised its Tobacco Products Control Act to strengthen tobacco regulation and youth protection. Key changes include bans on smoking near minors, in public buildings, and in hotel rooms, as well as stricter warning labels and new rules covering e-cigarettes.
May.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Interviews Afubra’s Marcilio Drescher: Can Brazil’s Tobacco Growers Adapt to the NGP Era?
2Firsts Interviews Afubra’s Marcilio Drescher: Can Brazil’s Tobacco Growers Adapt to the NGP Era?
Brazil has long been hailed as a global model in tobacco farming—known for its high yields, quality leaf, and sustainable practices. But shifting demographics, labor shortages, and the rise of next-generation products are reshaping the landscape. In this 2Firsts exclusive, Afubra President Marcilio Drescher reflects on 70 years of progress and the uncertain road ahead for Brazil’s 90,000 growers.
Jun.09