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Jessie Brosseau, MPH and Jason Roberts, MPH. Division of Health Surveillance, Vermont Department of Health, 108 Cherry Street, PO Box 70, Burlington, VT 05402-0070, 802-951-4067, jbrosse@vdh.state.vt.us
Methods: Assessed the demographics of adult Vermont smokers who purchased cigarettes in neighboring states, on Indian Reservations or the Internet using 2002 and 2003 Adult Tobacco Survey (ATS) data. All analyses were done on a combined 2002-2003 dataset.
Results: Among VT smokers, in 2002-2003, 49.9% reported buying cigarettes in neighboring states, 5.2% on Indian Reservations and 2.8% over the Internet. There were no differences in the proportions of males and females buying cigarettes in neighboring states, on Indian Reservations or over the Internet. Those aged 18-34 most frequently reported buying cigarettes in neighboring states (59.3%); those 55+ reported purchasing cigarettes in neighboring states the least (40.3%). Those aged 55+ reported the highest (7.0%) and those 18-34 the smallest proportion (4.1%) purchasing cigarettes on Indian Reservations. Internet cigarette sales were similar across age-groups. Smokers in counties bordering NH reported the highest proportion purchasing cigarettes in neighboring states (63.8%); smokers in counties bordering no state most frequently reported purchasing cigarettes on Indian Reservations (5.7%). Analyses relating to race were not included due to the small number of non-white respondents (97.1% of adults surveyed were white).
Discussion: Data from the 2002 and 2003 ATS’ suggest a substantial proportion of VT smokers buy cigarettes in neighboring states, particularly those aged 18-34 or residents of counties bordering NH. The proportion of VT smokers buying cigarettes on Indian Reservations or over the Internet is small, but as tobacco control efforts continue and smokers seek alternate routes of purchasing cigarettes, these avenues may develop greater importance.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the poster the reader will have
Keywords: Tobacco,
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.