Cigars, youth, and the Internet link

Am J Public Health. 2000 May;90(5):790-2. doi: 10.2105/ajph.90.5.790.

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined the accessibility and appeal to youth of cigar marketing sites on the Internet.

Methods: Sites marketing cigars (n = 141) were examined for age restrictions, prices, health warnings, and other elements.

Results: Although it is illegal for minors to purchase tobacco, only 36 sites (25.5%) prohibited purchases by minors. Sites offered low prices, and 32% accepted money orders, cashier's checks, or cash-on-delivery (COD) orders. Almost 30% of the sites included elements with potential youth appeal; only 3.5% displayed health warnings.

Conclusions: The unregulated promotion of cigars on the Internet has the potential to attract youth, and there are few barriers to Internet tobacco purchases by minors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior*
  • Advertising / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Advertising / methods*
  • Age Factors
  • Attitude to Health
  • Freedom
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Internet / statistics & numerical data*
  • Marketing of Health Services
  • Psychology, Adolescent*
  • Smoking / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Smoking / psychology*
  • Smoking Prevention
  • Social Values
  • United States