Objectives
We explored young adults’ perceptions of snus (spitless moist snuff packed in porous bags), dissolvable tobacco products, and electronic cigarettes and intention to try these products.
Methods
We conducted 11 focus group discussions involving a total of 66 young adults (18–26 years old) on these new tobacco products (e.g., harmfulness, potential as quit aids, intention to try) held between July and December 2010. We analyzed discussions using a thematic approach.
Results
Participants generally reported positive perceptions of the new products, particularly because they came in flavors. Few negative perceptions were reported. Although some participants believed these products were less harmful than cigarettes and helpful in quitting smoking, others thought the opposite, particularly regarding electronic cigarettes. Participants also commented that these products could be gateways to cigarette smoking. Half of the participants, including a mix of smokers and nonsmokers, admitted they would try these products if offered by a friend.
Conclusions
Young adults perceive the new tobacco products positively and are willing to experiment with them. Eliminating flavors in these products may reduce young adults’ intentions to try these products.
We found that it is feasible to assess BAC levels of attendees at professional sporting events. Our findings suggest that a significant number of attendees at professional sporting events may have elevated BAC levels, particularly young adults and those who participated in tailgating activities. Further research using a representative sample is warranted to confirm the findings from this preliminary study.
Objective
To examine cigarette smoking among young adults based on education status.
Participants
Community-based sample of 2,694 young adults in U.S.
Methods
We compared three groups—those not in college with no college degree; two-year college students/graduates; four-year college students/graduates—on various smoking measures: ever smoked, smoked in past month, smoked in past week, consider self a smoker, began smoking before age 15, smoked over 100 cigarettes in lifetime, ever tried to quit, and plan to quit in next year.
Results
We found that for nearly all our smoking measures the four-year college group was at lowest risk, the non-college group was at highest risk, and the two-year college group represented a midpoint. Differences between groups remain after adjusting for parents’ education and other potential confounding factors.
Conclusions
Smoking behaviors clearly differ between the two-year, four-year, and no college groups. Interventions should be tailored for each group.
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