Tobacco-Related Disparities in Specific Populations

Research

New study details pervasiveness of little cigars and cigarillos in African American neighborhoods
A new study examines the link between specific neighborhood demographics and little cigar and cigarillo (LCC) availability, retail environment advertising, and prices in Washington, DC. The findings show that LCCs are significantly more likely to be available, significantly cheaper, and more heavily advertised on the exterior of retail outlets in neighborhoods with African Americans and young adults. A press release from Legacy notes that this study reveals the importance of real-time monitoring of the point-of-sale environment in order to provide evidence of tobacco industry targeting and facilitate rapid policy responses. Click here for a summary of the findings, or click here to read the abstract of the study in the American Journal of Public Health.

Childhood economic strains in predicting substance use in emerging adulthood: Mediation effects of youth self-control and parenting practices
A new study from Duke University Medical School examines the role of childhood economic strains on substance use in young adulthood. Data were analyzed from 1,285 children and caregivers in the U.S. from 1986 to 2009 to identify risk factors predictive of substance use in early adulthood. The data indicate that children under economic strain, especially poverty, are more likely to smoke cigarettes, but less likely to binge drink or use marijuana, as compared to wealthier children. The relationship between poverty and regular smoking in adulthood was partially mediated by self-control during adolescence. According to the researchers, the study findings shed light on better approaches to preventing substance abuse in a young population. To read more about the study, click here. Click here to view the study abstract in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology.

SOPHE journal supplement highlights tobacco disparities among Asian American and related communities
The Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) and Asian Pacific Partners for Empowerment, Advocacy and Leadership (APPEAL) recently published a special journal supplement of the journal Heath Promotion Practice titled “Promising practices to eliminate tobacco disparities among Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.” The journal supplement includes ten peer-reviewed articles presenting data, insights and lessons from Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities related to tobacco research, culturally tailored interventions, policy, and the impact of the tobacco industry on tobacco use in these populations. Click here to read more or click here to view the full text of the Health Promotion Practice supplement, which is available via open-access.

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Reports

Celebrating smokefree casinos video: Jay's Story
The Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights Foundation has announced the latest release in a series of personal interviews about secondhand smoke in casinos. The 3-minute video features Jay, who has been frequenting casinos for 25 years, and remembers what it was like when Colorado's casinos were filled with smoke. Because Colorado's state-regulated casinos are smoke-free now, he has seen the positive impact and increased public support for smokefree casinos. Look for the next story to be released soon on the ANRandANRF YouTube Channel. Links to all videos will also appear on ANR’s Facebook page and website, www.smokefreecasinos.org.

Mid-state jail turns to electronic cigarettes to raise money (AL, KY, TN)
Certain county jail systems in southern states have started to sell e-cigarettes to inmates. The plans to sell electronic cigarettes in jails have been introduced in hopes of raising funds for the jail officers’ pay, while also cutting down on cigarette contraband. E-cigarettes sold within the jail walls will go for a higher price, ranging from $13.50 to $18.00, and will provide 500 puffs before inmates must purchase a new device. This month, e-cigarettes were approved for sale in two Tennessee counties. Click here to read more about e-cigarettes in Macon County and Putnam County, Tennessee. Reports of e-cigarette sales in Russell County, Alabama and Jessamine County, Kentucky have also been published.

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