Percent of the state's total high school youth using tobacco was close to 28% from 2015 - 2019. 

NC Youth Tobacco Surveys (YTS) are conducted every two years, however the survey's methodology and response rate changed in 2022.

In 2022, NC YTS was collected electronically for the first time (in classrooms). Due to changes in survey methodology and lower response rates, data from 2022 may not be comparable to data from previous years.

Definition:

Tobacco use is the act of consuming tobacco products(e.g., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco, and e-cigarettes). Measurement of tobacco use includes frequency, amount and type of tobacco product used.

Why is this indicator important?

Tobacco consumption in North Carolina is responsible for a significant amount of disease and death. Tobacco causes significant public and private costs (e.g., financial costs of healthcare, lost productivity), including costs associated with exposure to secondhand smoke.

Nicotine is a highly addictive and dangerous drug found in tobacco products. It is especially dangerous to the health of developing babies.  Youth and young adults are also especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of nicotine.  [CDC]

Additional Information:

The NC Youth Tobacco Survey measures youth tobacco behaviors every 2 years since 1999. In 2022, NC YTS was collected electronically for the first time (in classrooms). Due to changes in survey methodology and lower response rates, data from 2022 may not be comparable to data from previous years.

The Percent of High School Youth Using Tobacco indicator aligns with HNC2030.

References and Links:

https://www.cdc.gov/

NC SCHS: Statistics and Reports: N.C. Youth Tobacco Survey (youth tobacco survey)