An epilogue to evaluating the impact of P.L. 99-252 on decreasing smokeless tobacco use

In a previous paper, "Evaluating the Impact of P.L. 99-252 on Decreasing Smokeless Tobacco Use," the context of this law and the theoretical framework for an evaluation plan for measuring its impact were described. In this paper, the methodology and selected findings from this project as well as their implications are discussed. This discussion includes the identification of the six indicators considered to be the most relevant, valid, reliable, accessible, and practical for measuring the impact of this law on decreasing smokeless tobacco use, as well as a report on the feasibility analysis of three of these indicators. Pilot data on two indicators--pounds of smokeless tobacco sold and incidence rates of tobacco-induced leukoplakia--are presented and analyzed.