Changing patterns of cigarette smoking among teenagers and young adults.

In Britain at present the highest prevalence of smoking in people aged 16 years and over is among 20- to 24-year-olds. At this age, 42% of men and 39% of women smoke, compared with the overall rates of 28% and 26%. The problem is greatest in the less affluent socio-economic groups. Prevalence of regular smoking among 11- to 15-year-olds has changed little since 1982, although in 1999 it reached one of its lowest points, namely 9%. More girls than boys are smoking, e.g. 25% compared with 21% at age 15 years. Signs of developing nicotine dependence are already evident even in lighter smokers. Smoking behaviour in a country appears to follow a pattern where men start first, followed by boys, women and then girls. In most industrialised countries, prevalence for each group, except teenage girls, has peaked and reversed. Most developing countries are at an earlier stage in the pattern, which must be stopped now if millions of deaths are to be avoided.