Cigarette smoking among American Indians and Alaskan Natives--Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 1987-1991.

Cardiovascular disease and cancer are two of the leading causes of premature death among American Indians and Alaskan Natives. Although cigarette smoking contributes to these diseases, cigarette smoking behaviors among American Indians and Alaskan Natives have not been well characterized nationally. To better assess the impact of smoking on these populations, CDC analyzed data obtained from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) during 1987-1991. This report summarizes the findings from this study.