Research

Study finds manipulation of menthol levels
Scientists from the Harvard School of Public Health have issued a research report maintaining that tobacco companies have changed menthol levels in their cigarettes, and that brands that adapt their menthol levels are able to more successfully attract and addict young customers. The researchers performed a review of tobacco industry documents, market research, and a national survey of tobacco use, and used laboratory tests of cigarettes to determine how menthol levels have changed over time. They found that younger smokers prefer a mild menthol sensation, which masks the harshness of cigarettes, while long-term smokers usually enjoy a strong rush of menthol flavor. Knowing this, tobacco companies have manipulated the menthol content in their cigarettes to sell their products to young adults. In light of these findings, the researchers recommend FDA regulation of tobacco products, including provisions on menthol flavoring. Read more here. Click here to access the article in the American Journal of Public Health. Click here for a response to this study from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids that urges FDA regulation of tobacco products.

Access is key to kids' decision to smoke
A study of sixth graders found that kids who have easy access to cigarettes, or have friends who smoke, are more likely to smoke regularly. Therefore, if a child answers yes for either of these risk factors, health care professionals can identify them as at-risk and undertake prevention activities. Of the 177 students in the study who tried smoking, 109 became regular smokers—an indication of the importance of access in the onset of cigarette smoking. Not surprisingly, as the youths got older, they were more likely to say they had access to cigarettes and to be able to identify stores that sold cigarettes. For more information, click here.

Teen smokers struggle to kick the habit; most want to quit and can't
A study of Canadian teen smokers found that youths have a hard time quitting smoking, even after just a short duration as a smoker. Based on a five-year longitudinal study of teens’ smoking behavior, the researchers lay out a timeline of addiction. Young smokers typically make their serious first quit attempt after only two and a half months of smoking, with the belief that they will easily be able to quit. Over time, their nicotine addiction grows. After 21 months of smoking, they have lost confidence in their ability to quit, and by the two-year mark, teens exhibit symptoms of full-blown tobacco dependence. Although 70% of the teens in the study expressed a desire to quit smoking, only 19% were able to do so by the end of the five-year study. According to the researchers, this study demonstrates the need for more cessation programs aimed at youths. For a summary of the research, click here. Click here to read the abstract of the article, which was published online July 16 in the American Journal of Public Health.

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Reports

Oklahoma State University goes tobacco-free (OK)
Oklahoma State University recently became the first Big 12 college to go tobacco-free. After the university’s Student Government Association, Faculty Council, and Staff Advisory Council made recommendations for a tobacco-free campus, school officials spent a year planning for the policy, which went into effect on July 1. The use of tobacco products is prohibited everywhere on campus, including parking lots and in vehicles on campus. Click here to access the OSU Tobacco Stops Here website, which educates members of the university community on the school’s tobacco policy, frequently asked questions, and cessation resources.

University of Arkansas to go tobacco-free (AR)
Starting July 1, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, the state’s largest university, is a tobacco-free campus. Campus officials announced the policy in May 2007 to allow time for students and faculty to become familiar with the new rules. The university has also created the “Fresh” marketing campaign to educate the campus community about the tobacco ban. The policy does not include penalties for those who use tobacco on campus, but will instead rely on those who are aware of the policy to adhere to and enforce the rules. To read more about U of A’s new policy click here.  Click here to navigate to the Fresh website.

Last of N.C. schools adopt no tobacco policies (NC)
The last handful of North Carolina's school districts have adopted broad no-smoking policies in recent weeks - falling in line with the rest of the state's school systems in a move that supporters see as proof the state is shedding some of its loyalty to tobacco. Now all 115 North Carolina school districts have adopted anti-tobacco policies which stretch beyond school grounds to off-campus events. School districts have until Aug. 1 to adopt policies that forbid smoking and tobacco use by students, teachers, family members and visitors. To read more, click here. 

A new spin on songs of truth®
The truth® campaign’s latest effort against youth smoking is the ReMix project, which recruited nine popular DJs and bands to create remixes of the truth campaign’s anti-tobacco songs. The songs are upbeat, but they clearly convey the truth® campaign’s anti-smoking message to youths. The remixes are featured on the truth® website and other websites popular with teens, such as social networking sites Facebook.com and Myspace.com. The songs will also be available as digital downloads from iTunes and Amazon.com. For more information about this countermarketing campaign, click here.

DVDs to include ads on danger of smoking
Several Hollywood film studios have agreed to include anti-tobacco public service announcements at the beginning of DVDs rated G, PG, or PG-13 that depict tobacco use. The studios agreed to include the public service announcements following talks with the Entertainment Industry Foundation, a group that works to counteract the effects of smoking in movies on youths. Research has shown that youths who view movies depicting smoking are more likely to smoke themselves, and that anti-smoking public service announcements are a proven method to prevent youth smoking. Click here to read more.

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International

Forever cool:  The influence of smoking imagery on young people (UK)
This publication from the British Medical Association (BMA) Board of Science identifies evidence-based policies to prevent smoking among youths. The report provides current information on youth smoking habits, describes smoking imagery youth are exposed to in media and advertising, and makes recommendations on effective marketing and media approaches to make smoking less socially acceptable. The report is intended to be a resource for health professionals, policymakers, and the general public. Click here to download the full report, or click here to view a BMA press release which includes a summary of the report’s recommendations.

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