Receptivity to Tobacco Advertising among Young Adults with Internalizing Problems: Findings from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study.

Background: Many risk factors for tobacco use among the general young adult population, such as tobacco advertising receptivity, have gone unexamined among those with internalizing problems, despite disproportionately high rates of tobacco use. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the interrelationship of internalizing problems, tobacco advertising receptivity, and tobacco use among young adults using data from Wave 1 of the Population Assessment for Tobacco and Health Study. Methods: The sample included 9,110 young adults (ages 18-24). Multivariable logistic regression models examined the association between internalizing problems and advertising receptivity and tobacco use. Separate models were run for cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and any tobacco use. An interaction term (receptivity × internalizing problems) was added to each model. Results: Except for smokeless tobacco, individuals with high internalizing problems reported greater odds of product use compared to those with low internalizing problems. There was no association between internalizing problems and use of smokeless tobacco. For all products, receptivity was positively associated with tobacco use. A borderline significant interaction was detected between cigarette advertising receptivity and internalizing problems, such that the magnitude of the relationship between receptivity to cigarette advertising and cigarette use was stronger for those with high internalizing problems compared those with low internalizing problems. Conclusions/Importance: The relationship between cigarette advertising receptivity and cigarette use may differ for those with and without internalizing problems. Disproportionate receptivity to risk-promoting messages among young adults with internalizing problems could exacerbate disparities in cigarette use.

Digital smoke signals: Event-driven online search trends in Heated Tobacco Products in Poland.

INTRODUCTION: Heated tobacco products (HTPs) have emerged as a prominent category in the tobacco market, particularly within European countries such as Poland. The introduction of HTPs has been met with increasing public interest, reflected in online search behavior. However, the public health implications of this new form of tobacco consumption remain a concern due to the lack of comprehensive research on its long-term effects. This study aimed to track the trends in online searches related to HTPs in Poland between 2016 and 2022, and to assess the impact of significant events on these trends in order to provide insights into public awareness of HTPs. METHODS: Utilizing Google Trends, a free source tool, this study analyzed relative search volume (RSV) for HTP-related keywords in Poland. Key events were identified and mapped against the fluctuations in RSV to understand their impact on search behavior. The analysis was confined to specific HTP-related keywords, excluding broader tobacco-related terms. RESULTS: A notable increase in HTP-related search queries was observed, particularly around the time of product launches and legislative changes. The largest increases occurred during the introduction of HTPs to the Polish market and during major events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates a market interest in HTPs among Polish internet users, with search trends influenced by product launches and policy changes. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring online behaviors to inform public health efforts, despite limitations such as the lack of demographic data. Further research is needed to deepen the understanding of how these online trends correlate with actual consumer behavior and product sales.

Beyond the brotherhood: Skoal Bandits' role in the evolution of marketing moist smokeless tobacco pouches.

BACKGROUND: Since 2006, "snus" smokeless tobacco has been sold in the U.S.. However, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco (USST) and Swedish Match developed and marketed pouched moist snuff tobacco (MST) since 1973. METHODS: Analysis of previously secret tobacco documents, advertisements and trade press. RESULTS: USST partnered with Swedish Match, forming United Scandia International to develop pouch products as part of the "Lotus Project." Pouched MST was not commonly used, either in Sweden or the U.S. prior to the Lotus Project's innovation in 1973. The project aimed to transform smokeless tobacco from being perceived as an "unsightly habit of old men" into a relevant, socially acceptable urban activity, targeting 15-35 year-old men. While USST's initial pouched product "Good Luck," never gained mainstream traction, Skoal Bandits captured significant market share after its 1983 introduction. Internal market research found that smokers generally used Skoal Bandits in smokefree environments, yet continued to smoke cigarettes in other contexts. Over time, pouch products increasingly featured increased flavor, size, nicotine strength and user imagery variation. CONCLUSIONS: Marlboro and Camel Snus advertising mirrors historical advertising for Skoal Bandits, designed to recruit new users and smokers subjected to smokefree places. Despite serious efforts, pouched MST marketing has been unable to dispel its association with traditional smokeless tobacco stereotypes as macho and rural. Public education efforts to discourage new users and dual use of MST and cigarettes should emphasize that "new" pouch products are simply repackaging "old" smokeless tobacco.

Cigarette price variation around high schools: evidence from Washington DC.

This study examines lowest cigarette prices in all tobacco retail outlets in Washington D.C. (n=750) in relation to the type and number of high schools nearby, controlling for confounders. The lowest overall and Newport menthol prices were significantly lower at outlets near public non-charter and charter schools compared with outlets near private schools. Given higher smoking prevalence and more price-sensitive youth subgroups in U.S. public schools, exposure to low prices may contribute to tobacco-related health disparities in minority and low-income populations. Tobacco taxes combined with policies to minimize the increasing use of price as a marketing tool are critical.