Tobacco use among Missouri middle and high school students, 2003-2009.

Reducing tobacco use among young people is an important public health goal. This article summarizes the results of the analysis of Missouri Youth Tobacco Survey (YTS) data collected between 2003 and 2009. The YTS collects information regarding tobacco use and related issues among Missouri public middle and high school students. Downward trends in initiation of tobacco use and current cigarette smoking occurred during this period. However, increased implementation of evidence-based interventions is needed to continue the progress seen during this period.