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

Abstract #72600

Stephanie Y. Smith, MPH, Department of Health Policy & Managment/Social and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broaday, Hampton House -- 7th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21205, 443-622-3857, stsmith@jhsph.edu

Abstract: Potential reduced-exposure products (PREPs), (e.g., purported low yield cigarettes, nicotine replacement therapies, and novel nicotine products) theoretically can aid smokers in cessation and/or provide safer substitutes for conventional tobacco products. However, teenage girls might perceive “safer” or “less harsh” tobacco products as attractive starter products.

Using participatory research techniques, we investigate the association between risk perception of PREPs and adolescent girls’ likelihood to use nicotine products. In addition, we apply Social Cognitive Theory to identify vulnerabilities and to determine whether these vulnerabilities influence adolescents’ risk perception and their likelihood to use substances.

In this two-phase cross-sectional study, we apply innovative qualitative and quantitative methods. In Phase 1, we conduct in-depth qualitative interviews to explore teenage girls’ salient beliefs of nicotine. Based on the qualitative findings, in Phase 2, we administer a risk perception survey to girls aged 12-16 in Baltimore City.

Learning Objectives: During the session, conference participants will be able to describe the following: 1) teenage girls’ perceptions of the risk of PREPs and their likelihood to use one; 2) vulnerabilities identified by Social Cognitive Theory that influence both female adolescents’ risk perception and their likelihood to use substances; 3) individual vulnerabilities effect on the risk perception of PREPs and the likelihood of using nicotine products among teenage girls; 4) implications of study results for regulation of nicotine products; and 5) impact of the study results on youth nicotine education interventions.

Learning Objectives:

• Learning Objectives:
• During the session, conference participants will be able to describe the following:
• 1) teenage girls’ perceptions of the risk of PREPs and their likelihood to use one;
• 2) vulnerabilities identified by Social Cognitive Theory that influence both female adolescents’ risk perception and their likelihood to use substances;
• 3) individual vulnerabilities effect on the risk perception of PREPs and the likelihood of using nicotine products among teenage girls;
• 4) implications of study results for regulation of nicotine products; and
• 5) impact of the study results on youth nicotine education interventions.
• Abstract:
• Potential reduced-exposure products (PREPs), (e.g., purported low yield cigarettes, nicotine replacement therapies, and novel nicotine products) theoretically can aid smokers in cessation and/or provide safer substitutes for conventional tobacco products. However, teenage girls might perceive “safer” or “less harsh” tobacco products as attractive starter products.
• Using participatory research techniques, we investigate the association between risk perception of PREPs and adolescent girls’ likelihood to use nicotine products. In addition, we apply Social Cognitive Theory to identify vulnerabilities and to determine whether these vulnerabilities influence adolescents’ risk perception and their likelihood to use substances.
• In this two-phase cross-sectional study, we apply innovative qualitative and quantitative methods. In Phase 1, we conduct in-depth qualitative interviews to explore teenage girls’ salient beliefs of nicotine. Based on the qualitative findings, in Phase 2, we administer a risk perception survey to girls aged 12-16 in Baltimore City.

Keywords: Tobacco Control, Adolescent Health

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.