The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #55821

Jennifer A. Jensen, MPH, Norval J. Hickman III, BA, Elizabeth A. Klonoff, PhD, and Hope Landrine, PhD. Behavioral Health Institute, San Diego State University Foundation, 6475 Alvarado Road, Suite 105, San Diego, CA 92120, 619-594-3851, jjensen@projects.sdsu.edu

Objective: This study examined, in a naturalistic setting, how effectively and efficiently minors can purchase cigarettes via the Internet using web-surfing and online buying skills they already possess. Methods: Thirty 15 and 16 year olds (half boys/girls) participated. A researcher brought a laptop computer to each participant’s home. The youths were instructed to purchase 1 carton of cigarettes from a website found on their own, as quickly as possible, using their own or a parent’s credit card for payment. Participants were allowed 2 hours to make a purchase, and were told to stop when they believed they had successfully bought the cigarettes. The researcher used a stopwatch to measure the amount of time between when the youth began searching the Internet and when the youth believed he/she had completed the purchase. The cigarettes were delivered via mail to the participants’ homes. Youths were paid $30, parents were compensated $10 for allowing the use of their home and credit card, and reimbursement was provided for the cost of the cigarettes and shipping charges. Results: Seventy-three percent of the youth received cigarettes. Average time to complete a purchase was less than 26 minutes. Of the 22 deliveries, 14 required no signature and 20 required no proof of age. Amount and types of search engines and keywords were also examined. Discussion: Minors are able to locate websites that sell cigarettes and successfully complete a purchase. Results suggest that more stringent legislation should be written and enforced to control youth online access to tobacco.

Learning Objectives:

After viewing the poster, the participant will be able to:
• Discuss the ease with which minors are able to order cigarettes using the Internet.
• Describe the process used by the youths to purchase cigarettes using the Internet.
• Explain why current youth access controls are inadequate.

Keywords: Tobacco Control, Internet

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.