What Are Tobacco Related Disparities?

• Risk, incidence, morbidity, mortality and the burden of tobacco-related illness that exist among specific population groups in the U.S.;
• Differences in patterns, prevention, and treatment of tobacco use;
• Lack of capacity and infrastructure, access to resources; and
• Higher rate of secondhand smoke exposure.

The Tobacco Issue

Tobacco addiction is among the leading preventable causes of morbidity and mortality in Florida and in the United States.  Cigarette use alone, results in an estimated 430,000 deaths each year in the U.S., including 28,700 deaths in Florida.  The list of illnesses caused by tobacco use is long and contains many of the most common causes of death, including heart disease and stroke and many forms of cancer and lung and vascular diseases.  The tobacco industry spends close to $1 billion in Florida annually to market its products, more than any other state.

Smoking Prevalence

In 2006 in the state of Florida, 21% of the population smoked cigarettes, 6.75% smoked cigars and 1.84% used smokeless tobacco.  The 2006 Florida Adult Tobacco Survey (FLATS) shows smoking prevalence for the following groups is greater than that of the general population: individuals with less than high school diploma (27.20%); young adults ages 18-24 (26.92%); individuals with income less than $25,000 (22.82%); males of all races (21.33%); and the disabled population (20.40%).

Florida's Plan To Address Tobacco Related Disparities

Florida was awarded funds from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to convene a Priority Population Workgroup to develop a strategic plan to address tobacco related disparities in the state.  The workgroup consisted of members from the following populations: Hispanics, African Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Low Socioeconomic (Low SES), and Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender (LGBT.)  The workgroup participated in five strategic planning meetings and was able to develop a strategic plan to include goals, strategies, action steps and a marketing plan.  Florida has laid the foundation by developing this strategic plan that will be utilized to guide the state in their efforts of eliminating tobacco related disparities.  This plan will serve as a framework for the state, partners, advocacy groups and community organizations to reduce and eliminate tobacco related disparities over the next three years.

Critical Issues When Addressing Tobacco Related Disparities

• Increased smoking prevalence
• Increased exposure to SHS
• Increased burden of disease and health
• Pervasive tobacco industry targeting of certain populations
• Lack of comprehensive public health policies that protect populations from SHS and curb underage access to tobacco products
• Lack of appropriate capacity and infrastructure within specific populations to address tobacco use and cessation adequately
• Lack of appropriate linguistically and culturally competent materials

Priority Population Work Group

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records.  If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity.  Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.

Donna Washington, Disparities Coordinator

Florida Department of Health

Tobacco Prevention Program

4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C-23

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1743

PHONE: (850) 245-4444, ext. 2461 

FAX: (850) 414-7497

EMAIL: Tobacco Prevention Program