The goal of our study is to understand the impact of Tobacco 21 (T21) laws on youth smoking and health equity.
We conducted modified Poisson regression models using 2014–2019 Monitoring the Future data to measure the impact of attending school in a county 100% covered by a T21 law versus counties with <100% T21 coverage on past 30-day smoking participation (n = 262,632), first cigarette smoking initiation (n = 189,698), and daily smoking initiation among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders (n = 214,496), separately.
Highlights
- Using a nationally representative dataset we found Tobacco 21 (T21) laws were associated with a lower likelihood of smoking participation among 12th graders.
- The association between T21 laws and the reduction in the likelihood of youth smoking was especially strong among Hispanic/Latino/a/e individuals and youth with parents that had lower levels education and 12th graders that did not plan on attending college.
- T21 laws show promise in potentially reducing tobacco-related health disparities in the United States.
Additive interactions were tested between T21 coverage and sex, race/ethnicity, parental education, and college plans. T21 coverage was associated with a lower likelihood of smoking participation among 12th graders. T21 coverage was most strongly associated with a lower likelihood of smoking participation among: Hispanic and NH (Non-Hispanic) Other/Multiracial individuals; respondents with parents who had less than a college education; and respondents who were not definitely planning on attending college. T21 laws were associated with a lower likelihood of smoking participation among 12th graders. T21 policies were most impactful for individuals disproportionately impacted by tobacco, indicating T21 laws might help reduce tobacco-related health disparities.
Colston, D. C. et al. – Preventive Medicine Reports – 2022-06-01.
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