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OBJECTIVES: We assessed young adults' exposure to the tobacco
industry marketing strategy of sponsoring social events at bars, nightclubs,
and college campuses. METHODS: We analyzed data from the 2001 Harvard College
Alcohol Study, a random sample of 10904 students enrolled in 119 nationally
representative 4-year colleges and universities. RESULTS: During the 2000-2001
school year, 8.5% of respondents attended a bar, nightclub, or campus social
event where free cigarettes were distributed. Events were reported by students
attending 118 of the 119 schools (99.2%). Attendance was associated with a higher
student smoking prevalence after we adjusted for demographic factors, alcohol
use, and recent bar/nightclub attendance. This association remained for students
who did not smoke regularly before 19 years of age but not for students who
smoked regularly by 19 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: Attendance at a tobacco industry-sponsored
event at a bar, nightclub, or campus party was associated with a higher smoking
prevalence among college students. Promotional events may encourage the initiation
or the progression of tobacco use among college students who are not smoking
regularly when they enter college.
Keywords: Tobacco
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