Tobacco Use and Cessation Among College Students — China, 2021

Abstract

What is already known about this topic?: Previous studies about tobacco use among college students in China were conducted at the school level or city level, with fewer than 5,000 students participating. What is added by this report?: In 2021, China CDC conducted a national tobacco survey targeting students enrolled in the public higher education system. Overall, 124,119 students from 220 colleges and universities in 31 provincial-level administrative divisions participated in this survey. Current cigarette smoking, current daily smoking, willingness to quit, and smoking cessation among college students were explored. What are the implications for public health practice?: The current daily cigarette smoking rate of college students was significantly higher than that of senior high school students, especially higher vocational college students. Tobacco control interventions, such as a smoke-free school policy and smoking cessation services, need to be reinforced on college campuses.