INTRODUCTION: In response to high rates of youth tobacco use, many states and localities are considering regulations on flavored tobacco products. The purpose of this study was to assess whether flavored tobacco restrictions (FTRs) in Massachusetts curb youth tobacco use over time, and whether a dose-response effect of length of policy implementation on tobacco-related outcomes exists. METHODS: Using a quasi-experimental design, two municipalities with a FTR (adopting municipalities) were matched to a comparison municipality without a FTR. Surveys were administered before (December 2015) and after (January and February 2018) policy implementation to high school students in these municipalities (over 2,000 surveys completed at both timepoints). At follow-up, adopting municipalities had a policy in place for one and two years, respectively. In 2019, focus groups were conducted with high school students in each municipality. RESULTS: Increases seen in current tobacco use from baseline to follow-up were significantly smaller in adopting municipalities compared to the comparison (-9.4% [-14.2%, -4.6%] and -6.3% [-10.8%, -1.8%], respectively). However, policy impact was greater in one adopting municipality despite shorter length of implementation. Focus groups indicated reasons for differential impact, including proximity to localities without FTRs. CONCLUSIONS: Restrictions implemented in adopting municipalities had positive impacts on youth tobacco awareness and use one to two years post-implementation. Policy impact varies depending on remaining points of access to flavored tobacco, as such policy effectiveness may increase as more localities restrict these products.
INTRODUCTION: In response to high rates of youth tobacco use, many states and localities are considering regulations on flavored tobacco products. The purpose of this study was to assess whether flavored tobacco restrictions (FTRs) in Massachusetts curb youth tobacco use over time, and whether a dose-response effect of length of policy implementation on tobacco-related outcomes exists. METHODS: Using a quasi-experimental design, two municipalities with a FTR (adopting municipalities) were matched to a comparison municipality without a FTR. Surveys were administered before (December 2015) and after (January and February 2018) policy implementation to high school students in these municipalities (over 2,000 surveys completed at both timepoints). At follow-up, adopting municipalities had a policy in place for one and two years, respectively. In 2019, focus groups were conducted with high school students in each municipality. RESULTS: Increases seen in current tobacco use from baseline to follow-up were significantly smaller in adopting municipalities compared to the comparison (-9.4% [-14.2%, -4.6%] and -6.3% [-10.8%, -1.8%], respectively). However, policy impact was greater in one adopting municipality despite shorter length of implementation. Focus groups indicated reasons for differential impact, including proximity to localities without FTRs. CONCLUSIONS: Restrictions implemented in adopting municipalities had positive impacts on youth tobacco awareness and use one to two years post-implementation. Policy impact varies depending on remaining points of access to flavored tobacco, as such policy effectiveness may increase as more localities restrict these products.
Authors: Fatma Romeh M Ali; Donna Vallone; Elizabeth L Seaman; Jamie Cordova; Megan C Diaz; Michael A Tynan; Katrina F Trivers; Brian A King Journal: JAMA Netw Open Date: 2022-02-01
Authors: Tyra Satchell; Megan C Diaz; Daniel Stephens; Adrian Bertrand; Barbara A Schillo; Laurie P Whitsel Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2022-09-22 Impact factor: 4.135
Authors: Todd Rogers; Elizabeth M Brown; Leah Siegel-Reamer; Basmah Rahman; Ashley L Feld; Minal Patel; Donna Vallone; Barbara A Schillo Journal: Nicotine Tob Res Date: 2022-03-01 Impact factor: 4.244