State-level tobacco control policies and youth smoking cessation measures

Objective: Research on the effects of state-level tobacco control policies targeted at youth has been mixed, with little on the effects of these policies and youth smoking cessation. This study explored the association between state-level tobacco control policies and youth smoking cessation behaviors from 1991 to 2006. Methods: The study design was a population-based, nested survey of students within states. Study participants were 8th, 10th, and 12th graders who reported smoking " regularly in the past" or " regularly now" from the Monitoring the Future study. Main cessation outcome measures were: any quit attempt; want to quit; non-continuation of smoking; and discontinuation of smoking. Results: Results showed that cigarette price was positively associated with a majority of cessation-related measures among high school smokers. Strength of sales to minors' laws was also associated with adolescent non-continuation of smoking among 10th and 12th graders. Conclusions: Findings suggest that increasing cigarette price can encourage cessation-related behaviors among high school smokers. Evidence-based policy, such as tax increases on tobacco products, should be included as an important part of comprehensive tobacco control policy, which can have a positive effect on decreasing smoking prevalence and increasing smoking cessation among youth.