NYS Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey: Smoking Disproportionately Impacts Certain Communities
Although cigarette smoking has declined over the years, some New Yorkers continue to be affected at much higher rates than others. Findings from 2026-21_brfss_cigarette_smoking show that smoking remains a significant health equity issue, with certain populations experiencing disproportionately high rates of tobacco use.
The statewide adult smoking rate is 9.9%, but several groups smoke at notably higher rates:
- Adults experiencing frequent mental distress: 18.4%
- Adults with incomes below $25,000: 16.7%
- Adults with less than a high school education: 16.5%
- Medicaid enrollees: 15.7%
- People living with disabilities: 15.6%
These findings highlight how factors such as income, education, health status, and access to resources can influence tobacco use. Individuals facing economic, physical, or mental health challenges often experience additional barriers to quitting and may have less access to cessation support.
Addressing these disparities requires targeted approaches that make prevention and quit support accessible, inclusive, and responsive to community needs. By focusing efforts on populations most affected by tobacco use, New York can continue working toward a future where everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve better health and live tobacco-free.
Key Takeaway
Smoking is not evenly distributed across New York State. Adults facing mental health challenges, financial hardship, lower educational attainment, disability, and Medicaid enrollment continue to bear a greater burden of tobacco use, underscoring the importance of health equity-focused tobacco control efforts. Based on findings from 2026-21_brfss_cigarette_smoking.
Read more of this brief here: NYS BRFSS Brief, 2026-02