RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The availability of electronic cigarettes in US retail outlets, 2012: results of two national studies
JF Tobacco Control
JO Tob Control
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP iii10
OP iii16
DO 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2013-051461
VO 23
IS suppl 3
A1 Shyanika W Rose
A1 Dianne C Barker
A1 Heather D'Angelo
A1 Tamkeen Khan
A1 Jidong Huang
A1 Frank J Chaloupka
A1 Kurt M Ribisl
YR 2014
UL http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/23/suppl_3/iii10.abstract
AB Background Since their introduction in 2007, electronic cigarette (‘e-cigarette’) awareness and use has grown rapidly. Little is known about variation in e-cigarette availability across areas with different levels of tobacco taxes and smoke-free air policies. This paper looks at US retail availability of e-cigarettes and factors at the store, neighbourhood and policy levels associated with it. Methods In-person store audit data collected in 2012 came from two national samples of tobacco retailers in the contiguous US. Study 1 collected data from a nationally representative sample of tobacco retailers (n=2165). Study 2 collected data from tobacco retailers located in school enrolment zones for nationally representative samples of 8th, 10th and 12th grade public school students (n=2526). Results In 2012, e-cigarette retail availability was 34% in study 1 and 31% in study 2. Tobacco, pharmacy and gas/convenience stores were more likely to sell e-cigarettes than beer/wine/liquor stores. Retail availability of e-cigarettes was more likely in neighbourhoods with higher median household income (study 1), and lower percent of African–American (studies 1 and 2) and Hispanic residents (study 2). Price of traditional cigarettes was inversely related to e-cigarette availability. Stores in states with an American Lung Association Smoke-Free Air grade of F (study 1) or D (study 2) compared with A had increased likelihood of having e-cigarettes. Conclusions Currently, e-cigarette availability appears more likely in areas with weak tax and smoke-free air policies. Given the substantial availability of e-cigarettes at tobacco retailers nationwide, states and localities should monitor the sales and marketing of e-cigarettes at point of sale (POS).