Youth Tobacco Sales in a Metropolitan County: Factors Associated With Compliance Original Research Article

Youth Tobacco Sales in a Metropolitan County: Factors Associated With Compliance Original Research Article Pages 91-97 Dave C. Pearson, Lin Song, Roger B. Valdez, Antoinette S. Angulo Close Close preview | Purchase PDF (75 K) | Related articles | Related reference work articles AbstractAbstract | Figures/TablesFigures/Tables | ReferencesReferences Objective To describe and identify factors associated with tobacco sales in a metropolitan county. Setting King County, Washington is the largest county in Washington State with an estimated population of 1.8 million or about 30% of the state’s population. Data Source The data analysis is based on compliance checks in King County between January 2001 and March 2005. The 8879 checks were conducted by 91 youth operatives aged 14–17. Analysis of data was completed in 2006. Statistical Analysis The outcome variable for this analysis was whether “a sale was made” to a youth operative during a compliance check. Associations between independent variables and the outcome variable were examined using 2 × 2 tables, univariate (unadjusted) logistic regression, and multivariate (adjusted) logistic regression analysis. Results Overall tobacco sales during the 4-year and 3-month period was 7.7%. Convenience stores selling gas were significantly more likely to sell tobacco products to minors, whereas restaurants, bars, and tobacco discount stores were less likely to sell to minors. Other factors that were significantly associated with sales are described. Conclusions In a county that has adopted many of the required youth access laws, opportunities still exist to reduce sales of tobacco products to minors. Asking for age and photo identification still appears to be an effective strategy in reducing sales of tobacco products to minors. Article Outline Introduction King County, Washington Current Compliance Check Practices in King County Methods Data Source Statistical Analysis Results Type of Store Previous Check Sales During the Study Period Day of the Week Age of Youth Operative Minor and Clerk Gender Clerk Age Requesting Identification and Age Tobacco Location in the Store King County Region Time of Check Yellow Sign Posted Neighborhood Poverty Level Discussion Conclusion Acknowledgements References