Tobacco control
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Comparative Study
Comparison of recent trends in adolescent and adult cigarette smoking behaviour and brand preferences.
To compare trends in smoking behaviour and use of cigarette brands by adults and adolescents. ⋯ Smoking prevalence rates have increased among teenagers, but have dropped among adults in the same communities. Among adolescents who smoke, and buy their own cigarettes, the three most heavily advertised brands--Marlboro, Camel, and Newport--have a substantially higher market concentration than among adult smokers.
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To identify variables predictive of smoking cessation in a cohort of cigarette smokers followed for five years. ⋯ Despite the fact that most smokers expressed a strong desire to stop smoking in 1988, the majority, especially the most dependent heavy smokers (>25 cigarettes/day), struggled unsuccessfully to achieve this goal.
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To examine characteristics of smokers associated with the use of discount and generic cigarettes. ⋯ The availability of discount/generic cigarettes has made smoking more affordable, which most likely has helped the cigarette industry retain customers sensitive to price, who might have otherwise reduced consumption or stop smoking altogether.
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To examine the effect of cigarette taxes, limits on public smoking, laws regulating access to tobacco by young people, and exposure to pro-tobacco and anti-tobacco messages on smoking participation and the intention to smoke among ninth-grade students (aged 13-16). ⋯ Policies limiting access to tobacco by young people, increasing education about the effects of tobacco use, and a sharp and sustained increase in real cigarette excise taxes are likely to be most successful in accomplishing the US Food and Drug Administration's goal of cutting the smoking prevalence of adolescents in half over the next seven years.
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Litigation and regulatory assaults on the tobacco companies may create a willingness among tobacco manufacturers to bargain resources and acceptance of public policy changes for limitations of liability, as has been seen by the recent settlement with the Liggett Group. Two elements absolutely critical to any plan are the elimination of tobacco advertising and promotion and the removal of addiction as a reason for tobacco use. ⋯ That participation requires articulation of the core elements essential to an acceptable agreement. If resolution of the public health issues surrounding continued sale of tobacco products can be reached in the United States, it may provide a model for similar resolution in other countries.