The availability of electronic cigarettes in US retail outlets, 2012: results of two national studies

Abstract

BackgroundSince 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.MethodsIn-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).ResultsIn 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.ConclusionsCurrently, 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).

How U.S. Adults Find Out About Electronic Cigarettes: Implications for Public Health Messages

“…Demographic groups with higher smoking rates in the general population (e.g., men, non-Hispanic Whites; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011) were often more likely to be aware of e-cigarettes in our study, although this pattern was not consistent for education. This discrepancy may reflect exposure to outlets selling e-cigarettes, which are more widely available in high socioeconomic status neighborhoods (Rose et al, 2014).…”

Use of E-Cigarettes Among Current Smokers: Associations Among Reasons for Use, Quit Intentions, and Current Tobacco Use

“…3 Electronic nicotine delivery devices, commonly known as "e-cigarettes," have become increasingly popular in several countries and over the last several years, research has documented growing availability, marketing, and use of e-cigarettes in the United States. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] A consistent finding from this emerging and quickly evolving area…”

“…4,7,[14][15][16] Unlike conventional cigarettes, those who use e-cigarettes are more likely to be White, higher educated, and have higher income; consistent with targeted marketing towards these groups. 5,12 However, e-cigarette use has not been shown to be associated with long term quitting 4,[16][17][18] and intentions to quit and quit attempts have not been consistently shown to be associated with e-cigarette use. 6,19 In a randomized controlled trial comparing one brand of e-cigarette both with and without nicotine to medicinal nicotine patch, the e-cigarette users were no more likely to quit at 6 months than nicotine patch users.…”

Adolescent Risk Behaviors and Use of Electronic Vapor Products and Cigarettes

“…6 Fourth, EVPs have been relatively easy for youth to access; they are available in retail stores, mall kiosks, and the Internet. 6,46 However, efforts are underway to reduce potential public harms of these products through regulation. In May 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration finalized a rule extending its authority to all products that meet the definition of a tobacco product, including e-cigarettes.…”