Consumer Perceptions of Dissolvable Tobacco Products

Principal Investigator: Annice Kim and Greta Tessman

Funding Mechanism: Research Contract

ID Number: HHSF223201110005B

Award Date: 2/11/2011

Institution: Research Triangle Institute (RTI)

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This two-phase research study explored consumer attitudes, beliefs, perceptions, and intended behaviors related to the use of dissolvable tobacco products. The first phase of the research involved a review of the literature related to consumer perceptions of dissolvable tobacco products. The second phase involved a series of focus groups held in March 2011 with 106 youth and young adults living in three dissolvable tobacco product test markets in the U.S. (i.e., Portland, OR, Charlotte, NC, and Denver, CO). Participants were asked to discuss their awareness of the products, perceptions of harm, perceptions of the products, and reactions to available marketing. Research findings may inform FDA's understanding of dissolvable tobacco products and how these products may be perceived and used by consumers.