PhenX: Environment measures for Tobacco Regulatory Research

Abstract

Objective: A Working Group (WG) of tobacco regulatory science experts identified measures for the tobacco environment domain.

Methods: This article describes the methods by which measures were identified, selected, approved and placed in the PhenX Toolkit.

Findings: The WG identified 20 initial elements relevant to tobacco regulatory science and determined whether they were already in the PhenX Toolkit or whether novel or improved measures existed. In addition to the 10 complementary measures already in the Toolkit, the WG recommended 13 additional measures: aided and confirmed awareness of televised antitobacco advertising, interpersonal communication about tobacco advertising, media use, perceived effectiveness of antitobacco advertising, exposure to smoking on television and in the movies, social norms about tobacco (for adults and for youth), worksite policies, youth cigarette purchase behaviours and experiences, compliance with cigarette packaging and labelling policies, local and state tobacco control public policies, and neighbourhood-level racial/ethnic composition. Supplemental measures included youth social capital and compliance with smoke-free air laws and with point of sale and internet tobacco marketing restrictions. Gaps were identified in the areas of policy environment (public and private), communications environment, community environment and social environment (ie, the norms/acceptability of tobacco use).

Conclusions: Consistent use of these tobacco environment measures will enhance rigor and reproducability of tobacco research.

Keywords: environment; media; public policy.