Smoking status and racial/ethnic disparities in youth exposure to tobacco advertising

Abstract

Tobacco advertising exposure increases tobacco use among youth. Data were from a largely racial and ethnic minority sample (60% non-Hispanic (NH) Black/African American) of youth (13–18 years) who were nonsmokers susceptible to future tobacco use (n = 686) or current cigarette smokers (n = 674). Regression models tested associations between tobacco advertisement exposure and smoking status, and determined demographic correlates. Nearly all youth recalled seeing a tobacco advertisement (98%), which was associated with smoking (OR = 1.12; 95% CI = 1.08–1.15). Racial minority youth had higher exposure to tobacco advertising. Policies restricting advertisements for all tobacco products are essential for prevention efforts and may help decrease tobacco-related health disparities.