U.S.: Age of Men Starting to Smoke, by age group
AgeRespondents,
in %
Before 1866
Before 1550
Before 1327
  • Region: United States
  • Time period: 2022
  • Published: 2022

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Mar 28, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Majority of U.S. men began smoking before turning 18

66% of U.S. men started smoking before reaching the age of 18, indicating that the majority initiated this habit in their teenage years.

Half of the respondents started smoking by age 15

50% of the surveyed men had already begun smoking by the time they were 15 years old, showcasing a trend towards starting at a very young age.

Over a quarter started before age 13

27% of the respondents reported starting to smoke before they turned 13, highlighting a significant portion initiating the habit in early adolescence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of U.S. men started smoking before the age of 18?

A significant 66% of U.S. men started smoking before turning 18.

At what age did 50% of the surveyed men began smoking?

Remarkably, 50% of the surveyed men started smoking by the time they were 15 years old.

How many respondents started smoking in their early adolescence?

Notably, 27% of respondents reported starting to smoke before they turned 13.

Terms and Definitions

An age group refers to a group of individuals who fall within a certain age range. In social scientific research and studies, individuals are often categorized into age groups to make comparisons and draw conclusions about trends, behaviors, and patterns that are specific to certain age demographics.

The initiation age in public health research refers to the age at which an individual began a specific behavior or habit, in this case, smoking. This term provides valuable data to understand early exposure to risk behavior and evaluate the effectiveness of preventive measures.

Public health is a field of study and practice that focuses on the prevention of diseases, prolongation of life, and promotion of health through organized efforts of society. It deals with large scale wellness and preventive measures rather than individual health problems.

A risk factor in public health is any attribute, characteristic or exposure that increases the likelihood of developing a disease or health problem. In this context, smoking is a risk factor for many diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Tobacco control refers to a range of measures taken by individuals, communities, and governments to minimize the health risks associated with tobacco use. These measures can range from public education campaigns, regulatory measures, to the reduction of demand for tobacco products.
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