What is the lifetime prevalence of nicotine use?

• A. 12.5%
• B. 24.3%
• C. 29.6%
• D. 27.9%

Answer: (D)

Lifetime prevalence measures the proportion of people who have ever used nicotine at least once in their life up to the survey date. It’s a cumulative, not current, measure — it includes anyone who has tried nicotine and may no longer be using it now. The value 27.9% reflects the estimated share of individuals who have ever used nicotine, which sits around a one-quarter to one-third lifetime exposure in many adult populations. This differs from current-use or past-year prevalence, which would be lower because they count only recent or ongoing use. The other numbers represent those shorter-term or different definitions, but the lifetime exposure figure centers on those who have ever tried nicotine, making 27.9% the best match.