Background: A previous Norwegian study showed that underaged smokers usually buy cigarettes for themselves. The Norwegian Medical Association has recently suggested that the minimum legal age for purchase of tobacco should be raised from 18 to 20 years. This study presents new data on underaged who buy cigarettes and snus for themselves; i.e. number of buyers and their characteristics.
Material and methods: 17,253 students- aged 13 to 17 years-participated in a school survey in 2004. They answered questions about use of cigarettes and snus and to what extent they bought these goods themselves.
Results: 40 % of smokers and 45 % of snus users reported that they mostly or always bought tobacco themselves. Those who used tobacco on a daily basis were more likely to buy it themselves. The adolescents bought about 60 % of all cigarettes and 70 % of all snus they used themselves. The likelihood that the underaged tobacco users mostly or always bought their own tobacco increased with age and was higher for boys, for those who appeared mature for their age and those who had used a false ID.
Interpretation: Underaged tobacco users' purchase of tobacco for themselves seems to be as extensive as in the previous study. Authorities should consider measures to improve compliance with the minimum legal age for tobacco purchase.