A study of young adults who provide tobacco products to minors

Teens acquire tobacco from social sources. This study examined factors related to young adults providing tobacco products to minors. Variables such as demographics, rate and method of provision, attitudes toward provision, and youth access restriction laws were measured. A sample of 250 college students completed the survey. About 33.2% of those young adults were asked to provide tobacco to minors, and 30.8% of these students provided it. Students in health-related majors were as likely to be approached and to provide tobacco as were nonhealth majors. Males were more likely to be approached and to provide tobacco to minors than were females. Convenience stores and gas stations were the most popular locations. Young adults favored laws that restrict minors from purchasing tobacco, and their intention to give tobacco in the future was the best predictor of providing tobacco to minors.