More Adults in Minnesota and Across US. Quitting Smoking

According to the latest data, an increasing number of adults in both the United States and Minnesota are quitting smoking.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, reports show that 15.1% of Minnesotans smoked in 2018. However, in 2020, that number decreased to 13.8% - a trend that reflects a nationwide decrease (from 21.2% in 2011 to 15.5% in 2020).

However, the usage rate of electronic cigarettes among adults has remained almost unchanged, with 4.9% of Minnesota adults reporting current use in 2020, which is similar to the 5% reported in 2018.

Despite more people reporting that they have quit smoking, a small percentage of individuals reported attempting to break the habit.

Nearly half of Minnesota's adult smokers reported attempting to quit smoking in the past year (50.5%), but more individuals reported attempting to quit in 2018 (54.9%).

A report shows that groups with high smoking rates include those identified as Native American (42.0%), gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender (17.1%), and Black (15.9%). Individuals who reported poor mental health (26.3%), low income (23.6%), and low education levels (21.5%) also reported higher smoking rates.

According to data cited from multiple studies, targeted advertising and marketing by the tobacco industry to these communities "may be why these individuals are more likely to start smoking and less likely to successfully quit.

Source: FOX9