Influence of point-of-sale tobacco displays and graphic health warning signs on adults: evidence from a virtual store experimental study
Annice E Kim, James M Nonnemaker, Brett R Loomis, Paul R Shafer, Asma Shaikh, Edward Hill, John W Holloway, Matthew C Farrelly, Annice E Kim, James M Nonnemaker, Brett R Loomis, Paul R Shafer, Asma Shaikh, Edward Hill, John W Holloway, Matthew C Farrelly
Abstract
Objectives: We tested the impact of banning tobacco displays and posting graphic health warning signs at the point of sale (POS).
Methods: We designed 3 variations of the tobacco product display (open, enclosed [not visible], enclosed with pro-tobacco ads) and 2 variations of the warning sign (present vs absent) with virtual store software. In December 2011 and January 2012, we randomized a national convenience sample of 1216 adult smokers and recent quitters to 1 of 6 store conditions and gave them a shopping task. We tested for the main effects of the enclosed display, the sign, and their interaction on urge to smoke and tobacco purchase attempts.
Results: The enclosed display significantly lowered current smokers' (B = -7.05; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -13.20, -0.91; P < .05) and recent quitters' (Β = -6.00, 95% CI = -11.00, -1.00; P < .01) urge to smoke and current smokers' purchase attempts (adjusted odds ratio = 0.06; 95% CI = 0.03, 0.11; P < .01). The warning sign had no significant main effect on study outcomes or interaction with enclosed display.
Conclusions: These data show that POS tobacco displays influence purchase behavior. Banning them may reduce cues to smoke and unplanned tobacco purchases.
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Source: PubMed