Learning Objectives: use suggested taxonomy to describe compliance check protocols so others can understand, reproduce and evaluate the results
Abstract: Problem: Reports of findings of compliance check programs often fail to describe important elements of the protocol. These omissions make it difficult for readers to understand the protocol and replicate it. It also limits our ability to interpret the results. It will be of interest to researchers, Synar officials and youth access enforcement officers.
METHODS: To address these problems, this presentation will use a decision tree and corresponding taxonomy to describe every element of youth purchase surveys.
RESULTS: Compliance check programs will be discussed in terms of the following elements: consummated/unconsummated purchases, truthful/untruthful age reporting, proof of age, simultaneous additional purchases ("co-buys"), pre-visits, vending machines, self-service displays, targeted tobacco products, targeted retail venues, number of checks per store, time of day and week, configurations of the field teams, roles of the adults team members, roles of the teen team members, and characteristics of the teen confederates (age, gender, ethnicity, smoking status).
Discussion: All of these factors may impact the outcomes of youth purchase surveys and should, therefore, be presented clearly in any reports of findings. I'll suggest language to describe the taxonomy of compliance checks for use in reports.
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