摘要：A 2008 survey assessed the proportion of smokers in 8 geographic areas who reported trying snus. In test markets, 10% of smokers had tried snus in the past year. Among young adult men, the trial rate was 29%. Trial was more likely among Whites than among minorities, among respondents with lower education than among those with higher education, and among those without immediate plans to quit smoking than among those intending to quit in the next 30 days. The association between trial and low cessation motivation is an important target for research. Tobacco control measures, such as increases in excise taxes on cigarettes, the spread of smoke-free ordinances, and growing antismoking norms, have resulted in a decline in cigarette smoking. 1 – 4 In response, the tobacco industry has attempted to diversify its product offerings in the United States. 5 In 2006, RJ Reynolds and Altria launched snus in several US test markets. This new tobacco product differs from conventional smokeless tobacco in that it (1) is lower in tobacco-specific nitrosamines, a major carcinogen; (2) does not require spitting; and (3) is packaged in small pouches that are placed under the upper lip and can be relatively unobtrusive when in use. The introduction of snus in the United States has been controversial within the tobacco control community. Although snus is less harmful than cigarettes, 6 – 9 some argue that promoting snus for harm reduction could lead to a delay in smoking cessation and the erroneous perception that the products are safe. 8 , 10 – 15 Snus is currently being marketed to smokers as a way to enjoy tobacco in places where smoking is prohibited. 16 To date, advertising messages do not include claims of reduced risk, but companies are seeking permission from the US Food and Drug Administration to make such health claims. 17 It is difficult to predict how consumers will respond to these new spitless products, especially if they are advertised as less harmful than smoking. The only published population-based study of awareness and trial of snus in US test markets took place in Indiana. 18 Results indicated that about 20% of male smokers reported having tried 1 of the products, but trial was rare (1.4%) among female smokers. The Indiana study was limited by relatively small samples of smokers, and findings reflected only 1 test market area. The current study included a larger sample of smokers in 8 designated market areas. Three of these included test markets for several snus products. We investigated associations between snus trial, demographic characteristics, and smoking patterns.
