

Of those screened, 1024 were eligible (40.0%).

A total of 2562 (39.4%) agreed to be screened. Of 6509 individuals approached, 3947 (60.6%) declined to be screened, citing reasons such as being in a hurry or not being interested in the incentive. Wake Forest School of Medicine Institutional Review Board approved study procedures. Participants received a $10 Starbucks gift card after completing the survey. Eligible participants were between 16 and 25, had ever used or were susceptible to using tobacco, and had not participated in the study. Data collectors approached anyone appearing to be between the ages of 16 and 25 to invite for screening prior to completing the 5-minute survey on an iPad.

The present analyses include only data collected at baseline, prior to message exposure. We conducted intercept surveys with approximately 50 participants per store at baseline and follow-up (separate samples). Stores were randomized to intervention with messages posted or no-message control. Stores were selected based on their location, agreement to post tobacco education messages, and number of touchpoints (ie, on premise locations where the store was willing to post messages, including gas pump toppers, door signs, exterior posters, and interior floor graphics). 16, 17 The objectives of this study were to determine (1) the content and prevalence of youth and young adult behaviors at gas-station-convenience stores and (2) whether behaviors varied by demographics or tobacco use.ĭata were collected between June and July 2017, as part of two cluster randomized trials examining the effect of tobacco education campaigns, one for cigarillos and one for waterpipe tobacco, at 20 gas-station-convenience stores. Two studies among adults at convenience stores (in Pennsylvania and New Zealand) found 13%–14% of store purchases included tobacco. Few studies have reported on what customers do at these establishments. 13, 15 Identifying where young people spend their time (eg, the gas pumps and food aisles) could inform message placement for future interventions. 13–15 These interventions have shown some success in increasing knowledge and reducing tobacco purchases.

The US Food and Drug Administration and other agencies (eg, New York City, Florida Department of Health) have conducted tobacco education campaigns at convenience stores. Additionally, findings may direct communication efforts. If these establishments are a tobacco retail source, particularly for underage youth, policy makers may be more likely to enact minimum age of sale laws or retailer-licensing restrictions to reduce youth access. Understanding young peoples’ behaviors at these establishments could provide important information to direct policy and communication efforts. 2 Thus, exposure to retail marketing is considered a causal factor for tobacco use initiation. 1 Youth and young adults frequent these stores, particularly those who currently or have ever smoked. Tobacco companies spend $50 million per year marketing at the point-of-sale, including to attract new customers. Convenience stores are one of the few remaining locations for tobacco advertisements within the United States.
