CHS Researchers Address Tobacco Industry Tactics Targeting Youth at National Science Week
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YEREVAN, Armenia — Within the scope of the First National Science Week in Armenia, organized by the “Gituzh” Initiative, the American University of Armenia (AUA) Turpanjian College of Health Sciences (CHS), along with the Zaven P. and Sonia Akian College of Science and Engineering and the AUA Admissions Office, participated in a science festival held at Freedom Square in Yerevan from October 3-4, 2024.
The Science Week theme, “Connecting Science to Society,” brought together numerous academic institutions, scientific and research organizations, as well as educational and technological communities to showcase their most recent research and technological innovations.
The event, sponsored by the Republic of Armenia Ministry of Science, Education, Culture, and Sport; and Fastex, offered the public, particularly the youth, a chance to delve into innovative technologies, contributing to the development of science.
CHS researchers presented findings from their research project titled “Investigation and Countering of Tobacco Industry’s Interference with Tobacco Advertising, Promotion, and Sponsorship Ban at the Point-of-Sale in Armenia,” funded by Vital Strategies on behalf of Bloomberg Philanthropies. The project aimed to expose the tobacco industry’s tactics targeting youth with novel products at points of sale. In an observation of 132 points of sale in Yerevan and the Kotayk region, the researchers found that tobacco products, particularly e-cigarettes, were prominently displayed in attractive packaging, with a variety of flavors, and were sometimes positioned near children’s items such as toys, snacks, and candy. The research also indicated that many establishments did not comply with laws prohibiting tobacco advertisements, leading to increased youth exposure to these products.
Throughout the festival, hundreds of visitors interacted with CHS researchers to discuss the findings and the importance of recognizing and avoiding industry tactics. Our researchers distributed factsheets on “How the Tobacco Industry Targets Youth,” which summarizes the research findings and provides actions on how to safeguard themselves and their friends from the tobacco industry. The researchers also organized an interactive quiz on tobacco industry tactics to engage visitors and raise awareness among youth. Participants who achieved higher scores received small rewards.
The AUA Turpanjian College of Health Sciences works actively to improve population health and health services in Armenia and the region through interdisciplinary education and development of health professionals to be leaders in public health, nursing, health services research and evaluation, and health care delivery and management.