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

Shyanika W. Rose, Dianne C. Barker, Heather D’Angelo, Tamkeen Khan, Jidong Huang, Frank J. Chaloupka, Kurt M. Ribisl

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

91 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background Since their introduction in 2007, electronic cigarette (‘e-cigarette’) awareness and use has grown rapidly. Little is known about variation in ecigarette 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 ecigarettes 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).

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)iii10-iii16
JournalTobacco Control
Volume23
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1 2014

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2014, BMJ Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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