Carrie Murray Carpenter, MS¹, Geoffrey Ferris Wayne¹, Greg Connolly, DMD, MPH², and Anne Landman, BA³. (1) Division of Public Health Practice, Harvard School of Public Health, 1552 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02120, 617-998-1066, ccarpent@hsph.harvard.edu, (2) Harvard School of Public Health/Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 1552 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02120, (3) Tobacco Document Research Annex, American Lung Association of Colorado, P.O. Box 23105, Glade Park, CO 81523-0105

The tobacco industry has used a variety of marketing strategies to promote tobacco use among specific market segments, including women. However, research on the effects of cigarette design features that have been used to appeal to this population remains limited. In this study, we examine internal tobacco industry documents for evidence that tobacco manufacturers have intentionally modified product design for promotion among women. Altered design elements include product shape (circumference and length), flavor, packaging, blend, and tar and nicotine deliveries. We will address the role of cigarette design in the overall marketing of women-targeted cigarettes and the extent to which tobacco companies have used product design to target women. Further, we will discuss the product design features that most appeal to women smokers and the impact of product changes on smoking behavior and patterns of smoke delivery and intake. Finally, we will assess whether these product design changes are intended to mislead women or affect their beliefs about the health risks of smoking. This information has important implications for effective prevention and cessation efforts as well as the development of policy and regulations addressing smoking-related health risks among women.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to

• Assess whether design features and products have been developed and targeted to meet the specific needs of women.
• Determine whether product design changes have impacted patterns of smoking behavior among women.

Keywords: Tobacco Industry, Women's 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.