Youth Prevention

Research

Responses of young adults to graphic warning labels for cigarette packages
A recent study reports that graphic health warnings on cigarette labels may be effective in discouraging smoking behaviors among young adults. The researchers conducted an experimental study of 325 smokers and non-smokers between the ages of 18 and 30 in 2010-2011. The participants viewed 27 labels, including nine text-only warnings and eighteen labels proposed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that contained graphic images and text warnings. Most of the FDA-proposed labels produced fear-related reactions when participants viewed them, and reduced motivations to smoke compared to the text-only labels. However, fear reactions and discouragement from smoking were not as strong among smokers compared to non-smokers for most labels. Click here to read the study abstract in the journal Tobacco Control.

Smoking prevention in schools: Does it work?
A new systematic review suggests that smoking prevention in schools can reduce the number of youth who become smokers as adults. The researchers included 134 randomized controlled trials in 25 different countries to assess the effectiveness of smoking prevention programs among youth ages 5 to 18. These programs were found to be particularly effective among those who had never smoked. No significant effects were found in the first year; however, those studies with longer follow-up timeframes showed that smoking prevalence at follow-up was significantly lower among those who had participated in a smoking intervention program compared to the control group. This review is the first comprehensive study of international literature on school-based smoking prevention programs and provides evidence on their effectiveness. The authors note that more studies are needed in other countries and to analyze effects by gender. Click here to read more about this review, which was published in The Cochrane Library. Click here to read the study abstract.

Pro-tobacco influences and susceptibility to smoking cigarettes among middle and high school students—United States, 2011
A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health reports that students who are more susceptible to smoking are also more likely to be exposed to pro-tobacco advertisements. Researchers examined data from the 2011 National Youth Tobacco Survey to assess exposure to pro-tobacco advertising via stores, magazines, and the Internet among middle and high school students identified as being susceptible to smoking cigarettes. Youth were defined as susceptible to smoking if they never smoked, but were open to trying cigarettes. Students identified as susceptible to smoking were more likely to report exposure to pro-tobacco advertising, indicating that further efforts are needed to reduce youth exposure to pro-tobacco marketing. Click here to read this study abstract.

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Reports

Not a 'pretty sight' - New "ugly truth®" campaign presents a no-win proposition
The most recent advertising campaign released by truth® titled, the “ugly truth®” features television ads, entertainment, contests, social and digital media. This new campaign utilizes several methods of advertisement in order to reach teens and young adults. The campaign contains thought-provoking facts that encourage the audience to weigh two different facts and decide which fact is the “ugliest truth.” The public can cast their vote via social media and on the website thetruth.com. According to a press release from Legacy, this creative campaign will serve as a “platform to highlight tobacco industry practices and drive online engagement.” Click here to read more about this campaign.

Smokeless tobacco use among U.S. kids and teens has leveled off
According to a new report, the rate of smokeless tobacco use among youth has plateaued in recent years. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) 2000-2011 National Youth Tobacco Survey were used to examine recent trends in smokeless tobacco use among youth in the U.S. The results showed that there were not any significant changes in the prevalence of smokeless tobacco use between 2000 and 2011, and the use was low. Differences were found between age subgroups. Respondents ages 14 and younger and respondents in middle school reported a significant reduction in smokeless tobacco use, which may be attributed to the increase in restrictions on mail order and Internet sales of tobacco products and increased enforcement of age verifications at point of sale purchases. A significant increase was reported among youth ages 15-17 and no changes were observed among youth 18 and older. This study provides evidence that the prevalence of smokeless tobacco use among youth is not declining at the same rate of cigarette use, and stricter regulations may be needed to reduce use among youth. Click here to read more about this study published in JAMA. Click here to read the full report.

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