Using geographic information systems to compare the density of stores selling tobacco and alcohol: youth making an argument for increased regulation of the tobacco permitting process in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
BACKGROUND
This study is based on a community participatory research (CBPR) partnership between a youth group and a local university to explore whether greater regulation of tobacco permits would reduce the density of tobacco outlets overall, and particularly in low-income, high minority neighbourhoods in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.


METHODS
Applying Geographic Information Systems and regression analyses to neighbourhood demographics and the location of stores selling tobacco and alcohol, the study predicts the density of tobacco outlets as compared to alcohol outlets at the neighborhood block group level and in relation to the location and demographic composition of public schools.


RESULTS
This study found that there are more than double the number of stores that sell tobacco as compared to alcohol in the city of Worcester. For every alcohol vendor there was a 41% increase in the estimated number of tobacco vendors, independent of the effect of other variables. The likelihood of having a tobacco outlet located near a school was greater than having an alcohol outlet as the percentage of minority students in schools increases.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on these findings, the authors conclude that to reduce the impact of tobacco on socially and economically disadvantaged communities, the issuing of tobacco permits requires more regulation and oversight and should take into consideration the density and actual location of other licensees in an area.
Ogneva-Himmelberger
Yelena
Y
Department of International Development, Community and Environment, Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts 01610, USA.
Ross
Laurie
L
Burdick
William
W
Simpson
Sheryl-Ann
SA
D000293:Adolescent; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D000434:Alcoholic Beverages / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003132:Commerce / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D040362:Geographic Information Systems; D033161:Government Regulation; D006801:Humans; D008004:Licensure; D008404:Massachusetts; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012574:Schools; D012907:Smoking / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D019460:Tobacco Industry / Q000191:economics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D055815:Young Adult; D062789:Tobacco Products