Sex Differences in Becoming a Current Electronic Cigarette User, Current Smoker and Current Dual User of Both Products: A Longitudinal Study Among Mexican Adolescents

This study aimed to assess sex differences in predictors for becoming a current exclusive electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) user, current exclusive smoker, or current dual user (concurrent smoking and e-cigarette use). This longitudinal study included 2399 females and 2177 males who had tried neither cigarettes nor e-cigarettes at baseline and attended 57 middle schools in the three largest cities in Mexico. We estimated multinomial logistic models stratified by sex. At follow-up, the prevalence of current exclusive e-cigarette use was 6.4% for males and 5.5% for females; current exclusive smoking was similar among males (3.6%) and females (3.5%); dual use was 2.4% females and 1.8% males. In the adjusted model, current e-cigarette use among females was associated with baseline current drinking (ARR = 1.85; p \u3c 0.05), having a job (ARR = 1.99; p \u3c 0.05), higher technophilia (ARR = 1.27; p \u3c 0.05), and higher positive smoking expectancies (ARR = 1.39; p \u3c 0.05). Among males, only having friends who smoke cigarettes at baseline was a significant predictor of current exclusive e-cigarette use at follow-up (ARR = 1.44; p \u3c 0.05). For both sexes, current exclusive smoking at follow-up was associated with baseline current drinking (male ARR = 2.56; p \u3c 0.05; female ARR = 2.31; p \u3c 0.05) and, among males, only with having a parent who smoked (ARR = 1.64; p \u3c 0.05). For both sexes, dual use at follow-up was associated with baseline current drinking (male ARR = 3.52; p \u3c 0.005; female ARR = 2.77; p \u3c 0.05); among females, with having paid work (ARR = 2.50; p \u3c 0.001); and among males, with parental smoking (ARR = 3.20; p \u3c 0.05). Results suggested both common and different risk factors by sex, suggesting that interventions may need to consider targeting sex differences

Smoking susceptibility as a predictive measure of cigarette and e-cigarette use among early adolescents

Objective. To assess the validity of a standard measure of smoking susceptibility for predicting cigarette and e-cigarette use in a sample of early adolescents in Argentina and Mexico. Materials and methods. A school-based longitudinal survey was conducted in 2014-16 among secondary students. We analyzed students who were never smokers of regular cigarettes or e-cigarettes at baseline and who completed both surveys. The main independent variable was smoking susceptibility. Multilevel logistic regression models were used, adjusting for sociodemographic and personal variables, social network use of cigarettes and exposure to advertising. Results. In the adjusted analysis, smoking susceptibility independently predicted cigarette initiation (Argentina: AOR 2.28; 95%CI 1.66-3.14; Mexico: AOR 2.07; 95%CI 1.74-2.45) and current smoking (Argentina: AOR 3.61; 95%CI 2.48-5.24; Mexico: AOR 1.69; 95%CI 1.29-2.22); however, it only predicted e-cigarette initiation in Mexico (Mexico: AOR 1.29; 95%CI 1.02-1.63). Conclusion. Smoking susceptibility was a valid measure to predict future cigarette smoking in this sample

Adult Smokers’ Awareness and Interest in Trying Heated Tobacco Products: Perspectives from Mexico, where HTPs and E-Cigarettes are Banned

Background: We evaluated smokers’ perceptions of heated tobacco products (HTPs) in Mexico, where industry publically lobbied to introduce HTPs into this country that banned both HTPs and e-cigarettes. Methods: Online surveys (November 2018 to July 2019) were analyzed from adults who only smoked cigarettes (n = 2091) or who smoked and used e-cigarettes (“dual users” n = 1128). Logistic models regressed HTP awareness, interest to trying HTPs, and having seen HTPs for sale (only among aware participants) on sociodemographics and tobacco-related variables. Results: Of the 17.1% who were aware of HTPs, 52.7% reported having seen HTPs for sale. Of all respondents, 75% were somewhat or very interested in trying HTPs. Compared to their counterparts, more frequent smokers, dual users, those exposed to online e-cigarette ads, and those with friends who used e-cigarettes were both more aware of and interested in trying HTPs. Greater awareness was also associated with higher education, recent attempts to quit, receipt of email e-cigarette ads, and smoking among friends and family. Seeing HTPs for sale was higher for those who recently attempted to quit, were exposed to e-cigarette ads online or by email, or had friends who used e-cigarettes. Conclusion: Interest in HTPs is high among smokers in Mexico, which already has a large black market for illegal e-cigarettes. HTPs use should be monitored in this context, especially given the public health impacts of HTPs are unclear

Assessing the predicting validity of the tobacco marketing receptivity among youth

Background In a previous cross-sectional study, we developed a marketing receptivity index (MRI), which had independent, positive associations with positive smoking expectancies, smoking susceptibility and current smoking behavior in a sample of early adolescents in Argentina. The current study aimed to assess the predictive validity of the MRI. Methods Data come from a longitudinal, school-based survey conducted in 33 secondary schools in Argentina. We included students who had never smoked at baseline and were successfully followed up approximately 17 months later (n=1700). Marketing receptivity was assessed with questions in three domains: frequency of going to stores that sell tobacco; cued recall of brand names for 3 cigarette packages with brand name removed; and ownership of branded merchandise. A four-level MRI was derived (low PoS marketing exposure only; high PoS exposure or recall of 1 brand; recall of 2 or more brands; and ownership of branded merchandise). Self-report of having tried to smoke at follow-up (i.e., initiation) was the primary outcome assessed. Logistic models regressed smoking initiation on the MRI, the MRI components (considered separately), and willingness to try one of the brands shown in the cued recall task, adjusting for sociodemographics, social influences and sensation seeking. Results The 4 level MRI had independent positive associations with smoking initiation (AOR 2 vs. 1 =1.42, 95% CI=1.12-1.79; AOR 3 vs 1 =2.04, 95% CI=1.38-3.00; AOR 4 vs. 1 =2.16, 95% CI=1.21-3.82). The index components, analyzed separately, were associated with outcomes except for ownership of branded merchandise. Willingness to try one of the brands shown in the recall task was also associated with initiation (AOR=1.73, 95% CI=1.31 - 2.28). Marketing Receptivity Index (MRI) OR (95% CI) p AOR (95% CI) p 1-Low PoS, 0 brands recalled 1 2-High PoS exposure or 1 brand recalled 1.12 (0.91 - 1.39) NS 1.42 (1.12 - 1.79) <0.01 3-2 or more brand recalled 1.75 (1.32 - 2.31) <0.001 2.04 (1.38 - 3.00) <0.001 4-Own branded object 1.95 (1.16 - 3.29) <0.05 2.16 (1.21 - 3.82) <0.01 [Predictors of smoking initiation among secondary s] Conclusions The marketing receptivity index and its component were associated with cigarette trial, suggesting its predictive validity and utility for future studies. Ownership of branded merchandize may be more useful for studying smoking progression amongst those who have already tried smoking

Se busca mercado adolescente: internet y videojuegos, las nuevas estrategias de la industria tabacalera Aiming for the adolescent market: internet and video games, the new strategies of the tobacco industry

La exposición a publicidad sobre tabaco está asociada con el inicio en el consumo, particularmente en población joven, por lo que su control es un objetivo clave para reducir la incidencia de tabaquismo. Históricamente, la industria tabacalera ha sido pionera en la utilización de tecnologías de comunicación para posicionarse ante nuevos mercados y mantener la preferencia de los consumidores. Internet y los videojuegos han trascendido el espacio del entretenimiento, convirtiéndose en medios de comunicación masiva con un alto potencial publicitario. El presente artículo hace una revisión de la literatura existente sobre la presencia de tabaco en internet y videojuegos, con la intención de definir líneas de trabajo para desarrollar mecanismos efectivos de regulación y control de la publicidad en estos medios.Exposure to tobacco advertisement is associated with smoking initiation among the youth, its elimination is a key objective to effectively curb the tobacco epidemic. Historically, the tobacco industry has pioneered the use of new communication technologies to keep and expand their market. Nowadays, Internet and video games have transcended the entertainment sphere, becoming significant media for massive communication and providing new opportunities for advertisement. The present essay reviews the existing literature on tobacco presence in the Internet and video games to define research and policy tasks required to develop effective means for tobacco advertisement regulation and control

Prevalence and correlates of E-Cigarette perceptions and trial among early adolescents in Mexico

Área de Salud, Economía y Socieda