Smoking Prevalence and Initiation Reasons Among College Students - China, 2025.

What is already known about this topic?: In 2021, the prevalence of current smoking and current daily smoking among Chinese college students was 7.8% and 4.7%, respectively. What is added by this report?: The prevalence of current cigarette smoking among college students in China declined from 7.8% in 2021 to 7.3% in 2025; however, this rate remained substantially higher than that of senior high school students. Stress relief, curiosity, and socializing were the primary reasons for smoking initiation among college students. What are the implications for public health practice?: Strengthening tobacco control measures for college students is essential, including raising the legal age for tobacco sales to restrict access and implementing targeted interventions that address stress, curiosity, and social influences driving smoking initiation.