After the FDA regulations: Youth Use of Flavored Tobacco Products

Audience: Involved in tobacco control related to youth

Key Points: Flavored tobacco products, which are particularly attractive to youth, have become increasingly common. The attractiveness of these products to youth encourages them to start smoking. Despite their candy-like flavors, these products are as addictive as other tobacco products. On September 22, 2009 the FDA put in place a ban on cigarettes containing certain characterizing flavors. However, at this time it is not known whether this has decreased the use of flavored tobacco products among youth. Youth may have switched from flavored cigarettes to flavored cigars and/or smokeless tobacco.  Starting in 2002 the Oklahoma Youth Tobacco Survey assessed the frequency of use of flavored cigarettes and cigars by students in grades 9-12. The same items were included on the surveys conducted in 2005, 2007, and 2009. An item assessing frequency of use of flavored smokeless tobacco was added to the 2009 survey. All these questions were retained in the 2011 survey. This presentation will assess whether 1) students report continued to use flavored cigarettes 2) have increased their use of flavored cigars and/or smokeless tobacco, and 3) whether they have decreased their overall use of flavored tobacco products

Educational Experience: lecture with slides

Benefits: Will receive information for advocacy and regulatory decision-making