Understanding environmental, situational and intrapersonal risk and protective factors for youth tobacco use: The theory of triadic influence

The presentations in this session dealt with four broad variables that influence child and adolescent (youth) use of tobacco--pricing, industry advertising and promotion, access, and prevention programs. Changes in pricing, advertising and access attempt to reduce the supply of tobacco products to youth, and are thought of as supply-side approaches. Prevention programs attempt to reduce demand for tobacco by youth, and are thought of as demand-reduction approaches. I will present a theoretical view that integrates both of these approaches, along with many others, summarize findings in terms of that theory, and suggest areas where we need further research.