Research

Counter advertising at the cinema reduces appeal of smoking only to non-smokers
Viewing an anti-smoking advertisement before a movie that emphasizes smoking enforced the desire to be tobacco-free only among non-smokers and was associated with an increase in smoking intention among female smokers. Researchers surveyed over 3,000 people between the ages of 12 and 24 after they had watched the same movie at cinemas in three Australian states during a three week period. The anti-smoking advertisement was shown during weeks two and three. Approximately 25% of smokers who did not see the advertisement versus nearly 39% of smokers who did see the advertisement indicated that they were likely to be smoking in one year. In contrast, 48% of non-smokers who saw the advertisement versus 44% of non-smokers who were not exposed to the advertisement indicated that smoking should not be allowed in movies. The advertisement had no effect on the views of smokers. To read more about the study recently published in Tobacco Control click here.

A statewide evaluation of media literacy training to prevent tobacco use among adolescents
Washington State University researchers recently evaluated the effectiveness of a statewide media literacy curriculum for adolescents. The quasi-experimental study included 723 participants. Primary results indicated that participating in the media literacy training increased reflective thinking about tobacco messages as well as ability and motivation to resist tobacco influences, regardless of participants’ prior tobacco use. Participants who had never used tobacco exhibited greater change in understanding the tobacco industry’s persuasive tactics, while participants who had used tobacco demonstrated greater change in perceived peer norms and expectations for tobacco use. To read more about the evaluation recently published in Health Communication, click here.

Sleep deprivation can lead to smoking, drinking
The quantity and quality of sleep adolescents receive may be directly associated with smoking and drinking behavior. A University of Pittsburgh researcher surveyed 1,362 adolescents in five Chinese high schools. The survey included questions about sleep patterns and problems, smoking and drinking behaviors, behavioral and emotional difficulties, stress, and demographic characteristics. Results indicate that smoking is related to having difficulty initiating and maintaining sleep, sleeping less than eight hours per night, going to sleep after midnight, having nightmares, and using hypnotic medications. The results were presented at the 21st Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies. To read more about the research, click here.

Casual smoking increasing among young Americans
The Wall Street Journal reported that while overall cigarette consumption is down among young Americans, casual smoking is quickly becoming a popular trend in this population. Many young people mistakenly believe that casual smoking, which for many means smoking only on the weekends or only in bars during social outings, is safer than regular smoking. They do not realize that the dangers of cigarette smoking are related to the number of cigarettes one smokes and not the frequency of smoking. Click here to access a summary of the report.

Candy cigarettes: Bringing the candy man home
A new study suggests that using candy cigarettes in childhood is associated with smoking behavior in adulthood. Researchers surveyed a nationally representative sample of 25,887 American adults and polled them about childhood preferences and practices and current smoking behavior. Primary results demonstrate that 12% of current and former smokers versus 22% of never-smokers had never used candy cigarettes. Additionally, of those adults who regularly used candy cigarettes as children, 22% are current smokers while 14% are never-smokers. To read more about the study recently published in Preventive Medicine, click here.

American youth continue to show strong cigarette brand preferences
The American Legacy Foundation recently released the results of its Cigarette Preferences among Youth survey. Taken by 3,500 American teenagers, survey results reveal that nearly 80% of youth smokers select Marlboro, Newport or Camel cigarettes. Moreover, ethnicity appears to be associated with these preferences, as 53% of white and 63% of Hispanic smokers favor Marlboro, while 32% of African American smokers choose Newport cigarettes. Furthermore, 40% of youth smokers choose “light” cigarettes and 37% smoke menthols. Finally, more than 11% of youth smokers had tried candy-flavored cigarettes and over half were interested in trying flavored cigarettes. Click here to read more.

Mississippi: Tobacco use down among state students
A recent survey suggests that while the number of current smokers among Mississippi adolescents has decreased, the number of high school students who have tried smoking a cigarette has increased. Researchers at the Mississippi Health Department compared findings from a 2006 tobacco use survey of Mississippi middle and high schools students to the results from a 2004 survey. The number of current high school smokers decreased from 22.1% in 2004 to 18.7% in 2006 and the number of current middle school smokers dropped from 12% in 2004 to 8.4% in 2006. However, the number of high school students who reported that they had tried a cigarette increased from 59.4% in 2004 to 61.2% in 2006. To read more, click here.

Singapore: Health survey suggests smoking among youngsters on the rise
A preliminary review of data from the Singapore Student Health Survey suggests that young people are utilizing tobacco products at a higher rate than they were several years ago. Specifically, there appears to be an increase in use in secondary and university students. The Singapore Health Promotion Board attributes this increase in large part to social smoking and smoking shisha water pipes. The full report is expected later this year. Click here to read more.

Youth smoking in Mexico
The Mexican Youth Institute has released the tobacco-related results from a 2005 healthy survey of over 12,000 Mexican youth. Primary results indicate that young people smoke to calm their nerves and to look more appealing.  Additionally results show that a majority believe that smoking is neither addictive nor dangerous. In terms of prevalence, 18% had tried smoking by the age of 16, 63% are current smokers, and nearly 50% smoke between two and five cigarettes per day. Results from the survey also suggest that males smoke twice as much as females. To read more about the survey, click here.

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Lawmakers to magazines: Snuff out tobacco ads
Forty-one lawmakers have sent a letter to 11 women’s magazines asking them to stop publishing tobacco advertisements. Written by Representative Lois Capps of California, the letter argues that such advertisements negatively influence teenagers and young women and directly harm their health. They are particularly concerned about R.J. Reynolds’ new brand of cigarettes, called Camel No. 9, which is marketed specifically toward women. Because of its sleek and sophisticated packaging, the lawmakers are doubtful that it appeals only to established adult female smokers, a stance R.J. Reynolds continues to maintain. Click here to read more and to view a copy of Congresswoman Lois Capps’ letter. To read about some anti-smoking groups’ responses to the Camel No. 9 advertisements, click here.

Kansas: Crackdown targets tobacco to minors
The Kansas Department of Revenue and Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services have agreed to strengthen efforts to reduce illegal tobacco sales to minors. Their strategy is two-fold: hire five agents to police retail tobacco sales and hire a Denver-based company to do 5,000 random checks at convenience stores. Due to a large number of illegal sales to minors in 2004, Kansas lost federal anti-tobacco funding and nearly lost the funding again last year. When federal funding is lost, the state must divert funds from other programs to compensate. Click here to read more.

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