Reports | 02.03.2017

Wyoming Young Adult Tobacco Survey

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Executive Summary

The Wyoming Survey & Analysis Center (WYSAC), under contract to the Wyoming Department of Health, Public Health Division, conducted a survey of young adults aged 18 to 25. The survey measured attitudes and behaviors of young adults in Wyoming related to tobacco use. Key findings from the survey include the following:

  • 18% of young adults in Wyoming currently smoke. Young men, those who identify as LGBT, and those not attending school are more likely to be smokers.
  • Nearly one third (27%) of current smokers consider themselves to be “social smokers.”
  • 7% of young adults in Wyoming use electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS; also known as e-cigarettes) every day or some days; another 11% use ENDS rarely. Those who have ever smoked cigarettes, even a puff, are more likely to have tried or currently use ENDS. Former cigarette smokers (17%) report using ENDS every day more frequently than current cigarette smokers (6%) and experimental cigarette smokers (2%).
  • 86% of current smokers have made at least one quit attempt in the past year.
  • Most young adults perceive smoking as socially unacceptable in general, among their close friends, and among family. Young men and those who have ever smoked, even a puff, are significantly more likely to agree that smoking is socially acceptable.
  • Almost all young adults in Wyoming (95%) think people their age put themselves at great or moderate risk if they smoke cigarettes every day. Young women, never smokers, and those attending school are significantly more likely to perceive great risk in daily cigarette smoking.
  • Almost all young adults in Wyoming (97%) think that a woman who smokes while pregnant puts her developing infant at great or moderate risk of health problems.
  • Young adults in Wyoming are less likely to perceive daily ENDS use as risky compared to every day cigarette use. Still, the majority (70%) think people their age put themselves at great or moderate risk if they use e-cigarettes or vape every day.
  • 51% of smokers (who report currently drinking alcohol) report that they are more likely to smoke when they drink alcohol.
  • 64% of every day or some-day young adult smokers report smoking more when they are stressed.
  • 98% of every day or some-day young adult smokers report that weight played no role in their choice to start smoking.