Perceptions of the Food and Drug Administration as a Tobacco Regulator.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now has regulatory authority over all tobacco products. Little is known about public awareness and perceptions of FDA in their new role as a tobacco regulator. This research utilizes focus groups to examine perceptions of FDA as a tobacco regulator so that FDA can better communicate with the public about this role.

Methods

We conducted 6 focus groups in 2014 among a diverse sample of smokers and non-smokers. Participants were asked if they had heard of FDA, what they knew about FDA, if they associated FDA with tobacco, and their thoughts about this FDA role.

Results

A total of 41 individuals participated. Although nearly all participants had heard of FDA, most were not aware of FDA's regulatory authority over tob

SUBMITTER: Jarman KL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5644506 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature