|
Abstract:
|
Studies across the United States suggest that tobacco-related health disparities are exacerbated by disparities in the distribution of tobacco retailers. In a series of analyses, we use spatial count models to estimate current disparities in tobacco retailer density in Ohio. We then use Monte Carlo simulations and bivariate spatial modeling, to assess tobacco licensing-law strategies (e.g. restricting tobacco sales near schools or in pharmacies) in terms of the equity of their impact and ability to correct existing disparities.
Our findings indicate that Ohio’s vulnerable populations are exposed to a greater per capita density of tobacco retailers. Thus, there is a need for state and local-level tobacco control policies that will improve equity and reduce health disparities. Our simulations demonstrate that the most impactful licensing-law strategy depends on the type of community. For example, school-based reductions are equitable for low-income, African–American and urban neighbourhoods, whereas capping-based reductions are equitable for rural neighborhoods.
(With C. Adibe, DePaul University and A. Glasser, N. Onnen, M.E. Roberts, and E. Schwartz, Ohio State University)
|
