Teenagers exposed to tobacco advertising in retail stores - Home Study Program - Brief Article

AORN Journal, August, 2002

Despite laws restricting tobacco advertising, young people still are exposed to high levels of tobacco product promotion in retail stores, which may influence a new generation to take up smoking, according to a March 7, 2002, news release from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A study designed to evaluate the marketing trends of retail stores that sell tobacco products found that approximately 80% of stores displayed interior tobacco advertising, with 22.8% displaying high levels of such advertising. Advertising on the outside of stores was found 58.9% of the time, with 40.4% of stores displaying high levels of exterior advertising. Signs indicating tobacco control, such as those promoting the "we card" program, were found in 65.8% of stores; however, only 4.1% displayed signs with tobacco health warnings.

Other forms of tobacco advertising included multipack discounts and tobacco branded items such as shopping carts, counter mats, and cigarette vending machines. Teenagers are most likely to be exposed to tobacco advertising and promotions at convenience stores or gas stations, according to the release. The study found that 75% of teenagers shop at convenience stores or gas stations at least once per week.

Teens Still Exposed to Tobacco Ads Despite Advertising Restrictions (news release, Atlanta: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, March 7, 2002,) http://www.cdc .gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/r020307.htm (accessed 24 April 2002).