Learning Objectives: Describe awareness and use of potentially reduced-exposure tobacco products by sociodemographic characteristics and intentions to quit.
Abstract:
Problem/Objective: Tobacco companies have recently introduced new products that claim to have reduced toxins and carcinogens and hence may be less harmful to smokers. Two examples of these potentially reduced-exposure products (PREPs) include Phillip Morris’ Accord and R.J. Reynolds’ Eclipse. Much controversy has surrounded the emergence of these products for a variety of reasons including how to scientifically quantify and demonstrate reduced exposure to toxins. To date, very little information is known about smokers' awareness, risk perceptions and use of these products.
Methods: In 2002 and 2003, the American Legacy Foundation sponsored a nationally representative survey of adults that addresses these questions entitled, the American Smoking and Health Survey (ASHES).
Results: The 2002 survey sample consists of over 4,100 adults ages 18 and older and 800 smokers and the 2003 is anticipated to yield 3,000 adults. The 2002 survey indicated that over one third of smokers were aware of at least on PREP. We will present data from two time points on awareness, risk perceptions, and use of PREPs as well as differences by intentions to quit and various sociodemographic characteristics, including age, gender, and race/ethnicity.
Conclusions: While the debate continues about the appropriateness of PREPS, marketing efforts have successully reached smokers.
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