Smokers' reactions to FDA regulation of tobacco products

Smokers’ reactions to FDA regulation of tobacco products: Findings from the 2009 ITC United States survey Audience: Individuals at all levels of experience in tobacco control, especially those with a particular interest in tobacco regulation. Key Points: On June 22, 2009, the US FDA was granted the authority to regulate tobacco products through the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (FSPTCA). The intent is to improve public health through regulations on tobacco product marketing and tobacco products themselves. We report baseline data on smokers’ attitudes and beliefs on specific issues relevant to the FSPTCA. Between November 2009 and January 2010, a telephone survey among a nationally representative sample of n=678 smokers in the US was performed as part of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) United States Survey. Participants answered a battery of questions on their attitudes and beliefs about aspects of the FSPTCA. Most smokers were limited in their understanding of efforts to regulate tobacco products in general. Smokers were supportive of efforts to better inform the public about health risks, restrict advertising, and make tobacco products less addictive. Educational Experience: Understand the background and key points of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (FSPTCA); Learn about smokers’ attitudes and beliefs on specific issues relevant to the FSPTCA. Benefits: We report baseline data on smokers’ attitudes and beliefs on specific issues relevant to the FSPTCA. Smokers were supportive of efforts to better inform the public about health risks, restrict advertising, and make tobacco products less addictive.