Validity of assessments of youth access to tobacco: the familiarity effect.
OBJECTIVE
We examined the standard compliance protocol and its validity as a measure of youth access to tobacco.


METHODS
In Study 1, youth smokers reported buying cigarettes in stores where they are regular customers. In Study 2, youths attempted to purchase cigarettes by using the Standard Protocol, in which they appeared at stores once for cigarettes, and by using the Familiarity Protocol, in which they were rendered regular customers by purchasing nontobacco items 4 times and then requested cigarettes during their fifth visit.


RESULTS
Sales to youths aged 17 years in the Familiarity Protocol were significantly higher than sales to the same age group in the Standard Protocols (62.5% vs. 6%, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
The Standard Protocol does not match how youths obtain cigarettes. Access is low for stranger youths within compliance studies, but access is high for familiar youths outside of compliance studies.
San Diego State University-University of California, San Diego (SDSU-UCSD) Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego State University 92120, USA. landrine@sciences.sdsu.edu
Hope
H
Landrine
Elizabeth A
EA
Klonoff
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology; D000367:Age Factors; D002140:California; D003132:Commerce / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods*; D008192:Deception; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D019727:Proxy; D012107:Research Design; D019460:Tobacco Industry / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods*; D014481:United States