Smoke-Free Ordinances and Policies Protect Youth, but Ordinances Appear to Have Little Impact on Non-Combustible Tobacco Use.

Smoke-free ordinances and policies protect youth from exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) and cigarette use. This study investigated whether smoke-free ordinances also protect youth from the use of other tobacco products. We compared the prevalence of SHS exposure, cigarette smoking, cigar smoking, smokeless tobacco use, and e-cigarette use among high school students living in a municipality with or without a smoke-free ordinance and in homes with and without smoke-free policies. Data were analyzed using the 2017 Mississippi Youth Tobacco Survey (n = 1923). Smoke-free ordinances were found to be associated with lower prevalence of SHS exposure (41.9% vs. 51.5%), cigarette smoking (5.1% vs. 11.4%), and cigar smoking (7.2% vs. 10.9%). There were no differences in smokeless tobacco use (6.6% vs. 6.5%) or e-cigarette use (11.2% vs 12.1%). Smoke-free homes were associated with lower prevalence of SHS exposure (38.0% vs 74.6%), cigarette smoking (4.8% vs. 17.6%), cigar smoking (6.4% vs. 16.4%), smokeless tobacco use (4.9% vs. 13.2%), and e-cigarette use (9.6% vs. 19.5%), p < 0.05 for all comparisons. The results suggest that smoke-free ordinances and policies protect against exposure to tobacco smoke and use of combustible tobacco products, but smoke-free ordinances do not protect from smokeless tobacco and e-cigarette use. Tobacco-free, rather than smoke-free, ordinances might offer more protection.

Electronic Cigarettes in Mississippi: Issues Facing Healthcare Providers and Policy Makers.

BACKGROUND: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are currently unregulated nicotine delivery products, and use is increasing among youth and young adults in the U.S. Little is known about use in Mississippi. DESIGN/METHODS: Surveys assessed e-cigarette use among Mississippi adolescents and adults. UMMC provided data on reported cases of e-cigarette poisonings. RESULTS: From 2010 to 2014, current e-cigarette use increased from 0.6% to 6.7% among middle school students, from 1.2% to 10.1% among high school students, and from 0.2% to 6.8% among adults. There were no reported cases of e-cigarette poisonings in 2010, 2011, or 2013. There was one case in 2012. Cases increased to 26 in 2014, and 17 cases were reported in 2015. CONCLUSION: E-cigarette use has increased substantially. E-cigarettes expose users and bystanders to harmful chemicals and cancer-causing compounds. Regulation of e-cigarettes at the local, state, and federal levels is needed to address the clear harms to non-smokers.

Tobacco Use Trends among Mississippi Youth following the 1997 Settlement of Mississippi's Medicaid Lawsuit and Subsequent Tobacco Prevention Initiatives.

BACKGROUND: Mississippi has implemented several programs and policies to reduce youth tobacco. This study examines trends in youth tobacco use and compares current prevalence rates for cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, and e-cigarettes. DESIGN/METHODS: The Youth Tobacco Survey is a self-administered survey of a multi-stage sample of public high school students. RESULTS: Cigarette and cigar smoking decreased from 1998 to 2014. However, current use of smokeless tobacco did not change and e-cigarette use has increased. Currently, there are no significant differences in the prevalence of cigarette, cigar, smokeless tobacco, or electronic cigarette use. CONCLUSION: The state has successfully decreased cigarette and cigar smoking. However, smokeless tobacco use has not changed and e-cigarettes are becoming increasingly popular. Currently, Mississippi youth are at equal risk for cigarette, cigar, smokeless tobacco, or electronic cigarette use. Tobacco prevention efforts, clinician counseling, and policies should address each of these products rather than focus primarily on cigarettes.