Summary
Introduction:
This text is a research paper that examines the relationship between tobacco product characteristics and adolescent perceptions of these products. The study uses a discrete choice experiment to determine how specific product characteristics, such as flavor, nicotine strength, and device type, contribute to adolescents' perceptions of e-cigarettes and moist snuff smokeless tobacco. The results of this study have important implications for tobacco regulation and policy.
Key Points:
* The study used a convenience sample of 7 high schools in California, with a total of 1003 students participating.
* Participants were randomized to one of two discrete choice experiments, featuring either electronic cigarettes or moist snuff smokeless tobacco.
* Within each experiment, participants were presented with pairs of hypothetical tobacco products that differed in specific characteristics.
* Participants were asked about which product they were more curious about, which was more dangerous, which would give a greater buzz, and which would be easier to use.
* Each e-cigarette and moist snuff characteristic was independently associated with multiple product perceptions.
* Product ever users held stronger perceptions than never users about device type (e-cigarettes) and brands (moist snuff).
* Product naïve participants more strongly associated flavor with danger and buzz.
Main Message:
The results of this study suggest that tobacco product characteristics convey product attributes to adolescents that may increase appeal. Specifically, flavors, nicotine strength, and device type were all found to be associated with positive perceptions of these products among adolescents. The study highlights the importance of regulating tobacco products, particularly in terms of restricting specific characteristics such as flavors, in order to reduce positive perceptions of these products among youth. The findings emphasize the need for tobacco control policies and regulations that are informed by empirical evidence on the impact of product characteristics on adolescent perceptions and use.
Citation
Chaffee BW, Couch ET, Urata J, Cash D, Werts M, Halpern-Felsher B. Electronic cigarette and moist snuff product characteristics independently associated with youth tobacco product perceptions. Tobacco induced diseases. 2020;18:71. doi:10.18332/tid/125513
