Tobacco product use and knowledge of anti-tobacco messaging among teens in NYC

Background: To monitor trends in youth tobacco use, knowledge and attitudes, the Communities Putting Prevention to Work Special Youth Risk Behavior Survey was conducted by the New York City (NYC) Health Department and Department of Education in fall 2010 to provide baseline data on tobacco-related behaviors and exposures among teens. Methods: A random sample of 30 NYC public high schools was surveyed. A total of 1,800 students participated in the pencil and paper survey, and results were weighted based on the number of schools and students. A follow-up survey will occur in 2012. Results: While 7% of teens reported currently smoking cigarettes, almost twice as many have tried menthol cigarettes (12%) and almost three times as many have tried flavored tobacco products (20%). White teens were more likely to have tried menthol cigarettes than Hispanics, Asians or blacks (26% vs 14%, 7% or 6%, p<0.009), while white and Hispanic teens were more likely to have tried flavored tobacco products than blacks and Asians (25% and 24% vs 17% and 12%, p<0.02). Older teens were more likely to have tried flavored products (Age 16-18 and older (22%-27%) vs Age 14 and younger (13%) p<0.03). Anti-tobacco messaging was observed by many teens (66%) in the past 30 days, as were ads for tobacco products (60%). Conclusions: Teen awareness of pro- and anti-tobacco advertising is high, as is use of menthol and flavored products. This data will inform the development of policy and programmatic efforts targeted at teens.