Ease of Obtaining Smokeless Tobacco Products - High School Students...

November 20, 2007 - Source: Philip Morris USA Newsletter - Insights c3m (Consumer Centered Category Management) volume 3, issue 3, November 2007 page 7. While cigarette smoking among children and adolescents has decreased over the past ten years, not all tobacco products are following the trend. According to a recent national survey (the Pride Survey), nearly 8% of high school seniors reported using smokeless tobacco in the past 30 days. This rate has not declined substantially in the past several years. It is also higher in some parts of th e country than in others. Just like with cigarettes, retail access remains one of the primary means by which kids obtain cigars and smokeless tobacco products. The survey found that 34% (see image for news brief)of high school students report that it is "very easy" to obtain smokeless tobacco products. This finding is of concern because numerous studies have found that higher perceived ease of access to other tobacco products correlates to a greater risk of use of these products. While cigarettes are typically stored behind the counter at retail, cigars and smokeless tobacco products are still placed on the front selling counter in many stores. Click on image to enlarge..