According to latest Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Survey
OKLAHOMA CITY – The percent of adults who smoke in Oklahoma has been steadily declining, falling from 26.1% in 2011 to 15.6% in 2022.
“This is something the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) and our partners continue to put effort and resources into,” said Shelly Patterson, the chronic disease service director for OSDH. “For those who choose not to start smoking, they are more likely to live a longer and healthier life without chronic diseases often caused by smoking.”
Data show as many as 30% of all coronary heart disease (CHD) deaths in the United States each year are attributable to cigarette smoking, it is one of the causes of type 2 diabetes, and nearly nine out of 10 lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking cigarettes or secondhand smoke exposure.
Although the state is trending in the right direction, Oklahoma continues to be considered part of “Tobacco Nation,” where smoking prevalence exceeds the national average of 14%.
“We anticipate the work we are doing today will impact and help lower Oklahoma’s prevalence to 14.5% by 2027,” said Elizabeth Chery, the OSDH tobacco use and prevention manager.
Nationwide, efforts to provide truthful information about the negative impact of smoking caused by the tobacco industry include the requirement of retailers to post tobacco industry “corrective statements” at the point of sale, with the goal of holding the tobacco industry accountable which can help decrease the smoking prevalence.
Making the decision to quit smoking or tobacco use is not an easy one, and that’s why the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline provides FREE support. Call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit OKhelpline.com to explore the free services and resources available.
For more on tobacco prevention and cessation click here.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) protects and improves public health through its system of local health services and strategies focused on preventing disease. OSDH provides technical support and guidance to 68 county health departments in Oklahoma, as well as guidance and consultation to the two independent city-county health departments in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Learn more at Oklahoma.gov/health.
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