Tennessee Sees Significant Drop in Smoking Rates Over the Last Decade, New Study Finds

Photo byTodd MorrisonUnsplash

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A new study reveals that Tennessee has made notable strides in reducing smoking rates over the past decade, with a 6.4% decrease in the number of active smokers between 2012 and 2022. This decline positions Tennessee among the top states making headway in the fight against tobacco use, according to an analysis by nicotine pouch producer SnusBoss.

The study, which examined data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), highlighted that Tennessee's smoking rate dropped from 25.2% in 2012 to 18.8% in 2022. This reduction, while significant, ranks as the 16th largest among U.S. states.

Despite Tennessee's success, the study also underscores the varying degrees of progress across the country. Kentucky led the nation with an impressive 11.7% decrease in smoking rates, reducing its smoker population from 29.1% in 2012 to 17.4% in 2022. In contrast, California saw the smallest decline, with a modest 2.6% reduction from 12.5% to 9.9% over the same period.

The BRFSS, which gathers data through more than 400,000 adult interviews annually, provides a comprehensive look at health-related behaviors, chronic health conditions, and preventive service use across the U.S. The SnusBoss analysis compared the percentage of respondents who identified as active smokers in 2012 and 2022 to determine which states have been most and least successful in reducing smoking rates.

Nationally, the average reduction in smoking rates was 6.19% over the ten-year period. Tennessee's performance aligns closely with this average, demonstrating the state’s effective public health initiatives and the growing awareness of the risks associated with smoking.

Teemu Salminen, CEO of SnusBoss, commented on the findings, noting, "On average, states reduced their smoking rates by just over 6% over the decade. Kentucky's remarkable reduction nearly doubled this average, while California's challenges in curbing smoking rates are evident with its much smaller decrease."

The study also provides insights for those looking to quit smoking, emphasizing the importance of setting personal goals, seeking support from friends and family, and utilizing stop-smoking aids like nicotine pouches. "Quitting smoking is a challenging but achievable goal," Salminen added, "and there are several strategies that can increase your chances of success."

As Tennessee continues to battle tobacco use, these findings offer a hopeful outlook for further reducing smoking rates in the years to come, contributing to better public health outcomes across the state.

About SnusBoss.com
SnusBoss.com, founded in 2023 in the EU and expanding to the USA, offers a wide selection of premium nicotine pouches. The company is committed to reducing tobacco use and its environmental impact, providing fast delivery, and ensuring a superior customer experience. With a team of seasoned professionals, SnusBoss.com aims to make a positive difference in public health, one pouch at a time.

For more details on the study and the full list of state rankings, visit SnusBoss.com.