Protocol - Standardized Tobacco Assessment for Retail Settings - Flavored Tobacco
Description
The observational assessment from the Standardized Tobacco Assessment for Retail Settings – Flavored Tobacco (fSTARS) survey includes 20 items for an observer to complete in stores that sell flavored tobacco products.
Specific Instructions
The Content Expert Panel (CEP) recommends that Toolkit users refer to the Standardized Tobacco Assessment for Retail Settings (fSTARS) training guide when selecting this measure. The training guide can be found at either the website for the National Cancer Institute’s State and Community Tobacco Control Initiative or the Store Assessment Tools section of the Counter Tobacco website. https://countertobacco.org/resources-tools/store-assessment-tools/fstars/
Note: Audits are often conducted using mobile data collection tools
fSTARS and its accompanying Training Guide are available for free at www.countertobacco.org/fSTARS
Availability
Protocol
Your Name: ________________________________________
Store Name: _________________________________________
Store Address: _________________________________________
City, State ________________________ Zip: ___________________
1. Can you visit the store?
1[ ]Yes [Continue]
2[ ]No, store does not exist [Skip to Q20a]
3[ ]No, store is closed [Continue with Q2-Q5, then skip to Q20a]
4[ ]No, under 18 not allowed [Continue with Q2-Q5, then skip to Q20a]
5[ ]No, members only [Continue with Q2-Q5, then skip to Q20a]
6[ ]No, unsafe [Skip to Q20a]
7[ ]No, other reason not listed [Continue with Q2-Q5, then skip to Q20a]
2. Does the actual store name match the assigned store name?
[ ] Yes [Continue]
[ ] No – Enter correct name: _____________________________
3. Does the actual store address match the assigned store address?
[ ] Yes [Continue]
[ ] No – Enter correct address: _____________________________
4. Choose one best store type:
[ ] Convenience store with gas
[ ] Convenience store without gas
[ ] Drug store or pharmacy
[ ] Beer, wine, liquor store
[ ] Grocery store
[ ] Mass merchandiser
[ ] Tobacco shop
[ ] Vape shop
[ ] Other store type not listed
EXTERIOR
5. Are there any tobacco products advertised anywhere outside the store? These are ads on windows/doors facing out, building, sidewalk, gas pumps or elsewhere.
[ ] Yes [Continue]
[ ] No [Skip to Q6a]
If yes, please indicate which of the following products are ADVERTISED anywhere outside the store:
| a. Cigarettes - non-menthol | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| b. Cigarettes - menthol | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| c. Cigarillos/little cigars/blunts | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| d. FLAVORED cigarillos/little cigars/blunts (including mint, menthol, or wintergreen) | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| e. NON-FLAVORED cigarillos/little cigars/blunts | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| f. Traditional cigars | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| g. FLAVORED traditional cigars (including mint, menthol, or wintergreen) | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| h. NON-FLAVORED traditional cigars | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| i. Chew, snuff, dip, or snus? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| j. FLAVORED chew, snuff, dip, or snus (including mint, menthol, or wintergreen) | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| k. NON-FLAVORED chew, snuff, dip, or snus | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| l. E-Cigarettes | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| m. FLAVORED e-cigarettes (including mint, menthol, or wintergreen) | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| n. NON-FLAVORED e-cigarettes (tobacco flavor only) | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| o. Hookah | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| p. FLAVORED hookah (including mint, menthol, or wintergreen) | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| q. NON-FLAVORED hookah | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
INTERIOR
6a. Is WIC accepted here?
[ ] Yes [Continue]
[ ] No [Continue]
[ ] Unsure [Continue]
6b. Is SNAP accepted here?
[ ] Yes [Continue]
[ ] No [Continue]
[ ] Unsure [Continue]
7. Are alcoholic beverages sold here?
[ ] Yes [Continue]
[ ] No [Continue]
8. Is a pharmacy counter present?
[ ] Yes [Continue]
[ ] No [Continue]
9. Is tobacco sold here?
[ ] Yes [Continue]
[ ] No [Skip to Q20a]
10. Are there indications that mobile tobacco coupons are accepted here?
[ ] Yes [Continue]
[ ] No [Continue]
11. Are ANY tobacco products placed within 12” of youth products?
[ ] Yes [Continue]
[ ] No [Continue]
12. Are ANY tobacco products advertised within 3 feet of the floor?
[ ] Yes [Continue]
[ ] No [Continue]
CIGARETTES
13. Answer these questions about CIGARETTES.
| a. Any cigarettes sold here? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No [Skip to 14a] |
| b. Are any NON-MENTHOL cigarettes sold here? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| c. Enter CHEAPEST advertised price of a single pack of non-menthol cigarettes: | $ __ ___ . ___ ___ | |
| d. Enter BRAND information for the cheapest single pack of non-menthol cigarettes (e.g. Pall Mall Red): | ______________________________ | |
| e. Are MENTHOL cigarettes SOLD here? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| f. Enter CHEAPEST advertised price of a single pack of menthol cigarettes: | $ __ ___ . ___ ___ | |
| g. Enter BRAND information for the cheapest single pack of menthol cigarettes (e.g. Traffic Menthol Green, L&M Menthol, Pall Mall Menthol, etc.): | ______________________________ | |
| h. Are Newport Menthol cigarette single packs (regular hard pack) sold here? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No [Skip to 13] |
| i. Enter the advertised price of Newport Menthol cigarette single pack (regular hard pack): | $ __ ___ . ___ ___ | |
| j. Are any cigarettes with menthol capsules in the filter sold here? (e.g. Camel Crush, Marlboro NXT)? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| k. Are there ANY cigarette price promotions? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No [Skip to 14a] |
| l. Are there any NON-MENTHOL cigarette price promotions? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| m. Are there any MENTHOL cigarette price promotions? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
CIGARILLOS/LITTLE CIGARS/BLUNTS
14. Answer these questions about CIGARILLOS/LITTLE CIGARS/BLUNTS:
| a. Are any cigarillos, little cigars, or blunts SOLD here? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No [Skip to 15a] |
| b. Are FLAVORED cigarillos, little cigars, or blunts SOLD here? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No [Skip to 14e] |
| c. Are cigarillos, little cigars, or blunts flavored with MINT, MENTHOL, or WINTERGREEN sold here? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| d. Are cigarillos, little cigars, or blunts with flavors OTHER THAN mint, menthol, or wintergreen sold here? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| e. Are NON-FLAVORED cigarillos, little cigars, or blunts sold here? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| f. Any there ANY cigarillos, little cigars, or blunts price promotions?: | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No [Skip to 14] |
| g. Any price promotions for cigarillos, little cigars, or blunts flavored with mint, menthol, or wintergreen? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| h. Any price promotions for cigarillos, little cigars, or blunts with flavors OTHER THAN mint, menthol, or wintergreen? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| i. Any price promotions for NON-FLAVORED cigarillos, cigars, or blunts? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| j. Are any cigarillos, little cigars, or blunts with AMBIGUOUS flavor descriptors sold here? (e.g., Black and Mild “Jazz,” Garcia y Vega “Blue,” Swisher Sweets “Island Madness”) | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| k. If yes, enter flavor name (include brand name E.g., White Owl “Tropical Twist” |
____________________________ | |
| l. Are any SINGLE cigarillos, little cigars, or blunts sold here? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| m. Are any cigarillos, little cigars, or blunts advertised for less than $1 | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| n. Are any cigarillos, little cigars, or blunts in self-service displays? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
TRADITIONAL CIGARS
15. Answer these questions about TRADITIONAL CIGARS:
| a. Are traditional cigars SOLD here? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No [Skip to 16a] |
| b. Are traditional cigars flavored with MINT, MENTHOL, or WINTERGREEN sold here? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| c. Are traditional cigars with flavors OTHER THAN mint, menthol, or wintergreen sold here? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| d. Are NON-FLAVORED traditional cigars sold here? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| e. Are any cigarillos, little cigars, or blunts in self-service displays? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
CHEW/SNUFF/DIP/SNUSS
16. Answer these questions about CHEW/SNUFF/DIP/SNUSS
| a. Is chew, snuff, dip, or snus SOLD here? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No [Skip to 17a] |
| b. Is chew, snuff, dip, or snus flavored with MINT, MENTHOL, or WINTERGREEN sold here? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| c. Is chew, snuff, dip, or snus with flavors OTHER THAN mint, menthol, or wintergreen sold here? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| d. Is NON-FLAVORED chew, snuff, dip, or snus sold here? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| e. Are NON-FLAVORED cigarillos, little cigars, or blunts sold here? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No [Skip to 17a] |
| f. Any price promotions for chew, snuff, dip, or snus flavored with MINT, MENTHOL, or WINTERGREEN? | [ ] Yes | [ ] No |
| g. Any price promotions for chew, snuff, dip, or snus with flavors OTHER THAN mint, menthol, or wintergreen? | [ ] Yes | [ ] No |
| h. Any price promotions for NON-FLAVORED chew, snuff, dip or snus? | [ ] Yes | [ ] No |
E-CIGARETTE PRODUCTS
17. Answer these questions about E-CIGARETTE PRODUCTS:
| a. Are e-cigarette products SOLD here? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No [Skip to 18a] |
| b. Are any e-cigarette products flavored with MINT, MENTHOL, or WINTERGREEN sold here? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| c. Are any e-cigarette products with flavors OTHER THAN mint, menthol, or wintergreen sold here? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| d. Are any NON-FLAVORED e-cigarette products sold here? (tobacco flavor only) | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| e. Any there any e-cigarette price promotions? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No [Skip to 17i] |
| f. Any price promotions for e-cigarette products flavored with MINT, MENTHOL, or WINTERGREEN? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| g. Any price promotions for e-cigarette products with flavors OTHER THAN mint, menthol, or WINTERGREEN? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| h. Any price promotions for NON-FLAVORED e-cigarette products? (tobacco flavor only) | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| i. Are e-liquid in droppers sold here? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No [Skip to 17l] |
| j. What is the cheapest advertised price of a dropper of e-liquid? | $ __ ___ . ___ ___ | |
| k. How many ounces are in the cheapest dropper of e-liquid? | ___ ___ oz. | |
| l. Are any single disposable e-cigarettes sold here? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No [Skip to 17n] |
| m. Enter the CHEAPEST advertised price for a single disposable e-cigarette: | $ __ ___ . ___ ___ | |
| n. Are any “pod mod” e-cigarette products sold here (e.g. JUUL, MyBlu, Vuse Alto, NJOY ACE, ETC.)? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| o. Are any “pod mod” devices sold here? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No [Skip to 17q] |
| p. Enter the CHEAPEST advertised price for a “pod mod” device: | $ __ ___ . ___ ___ | |
| q. Are any “pod mod” cartridges sold here? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No [Skip to 17t] |
| r. Enter the CHEAPEST advertised price for a pack of “pod mod” cartridges: | $ __ ___ . ___ ___ | |
| s. How many “pod mod” cartridges does the cheapest pack contain? | __________________________ | |
| t. Are any “pod mod” starter kits sold here? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No [Skip to 17v] |
| u. Enter the CHEAPEST advertised price for a “pod mod” starter kit: | $ __ ___ . ___ ___ | |
| v. Are any e-cigarette products advertised as containing zero nicotine sold here? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| w. Are any e-cigarette products in self-service displays? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
HOOKAH/SHISHA/ARGILEH
18. Answer these questions about HOOKAH/SHISHA/ARGILEH
| a. Is hookah SOLD here? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No [Skip to 19a] |
| b. Any hookah flavored with MINT, MENTHOL, or WINTERGREEN sold here? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| c. Any hookah with flavors OTHER THAN mint, menthol, or wintergreen sold here? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| d. Any NON-FLAVORED hookah sold here? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| e. Any hookah with AMBIGUOUS FLAVOR DESCRIPTORS sold here (e.g. Starbuzz “Blue Mist”)? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| f. Any there any hookah price promotions? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No [Skip to 18j] |
| g. Any price promotions for hookah flavored with MINT, MENTHOL, or WINTERGREEN? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| h. Any price promotions for hookah with flavors OTHER THAN mint, menthol, or wintergreen? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| i. Any price promotions for NON-FLAVORED hookah? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
| j. Is any hookah in self-service displays? | 1[ ]Yes | 0[ ]No |
TOBACCO PRODUCE INVENTORY
19. What percent of the total tobacco inventory in the store is:
|
| None | Less than | 11-25% | 26-50% | 51-75% | 76-100% |
| a. Mint, menthol, or wintergreen products | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] |
| b. Other-flavored products | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] |
| c. Non-flavored products | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] |
FINISH
20a. ALMOST DONE! ANY FIELD NOTES?
[ ] Yes [Continue]
[ ] No [Skip to end}
20b. Enter field notes:
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
THIS IS THE LAST QUESTION. THANKS FOR DOING THE SURVEY.
Personnel and Training Required
See "Specific Instructions."
Equipment Needs
None
Requirements
| Requirement Category | Required |
|---|---|
| Major equipment | No |
| Specialized training | No |
| Specialized requirements for biospecimen collection | No |
| Average time of greater than 15 minutes in an unaffected individual | No |
Mode of Administration
Observational assessment
Lifestage
Not applicable, Not applicable
Participants
Not applicable
Selection Rationale
The Standardized Tobacco Assessment for Retail Settings – Flavored Tobacco (fSTARS) survey is a user-friendly protocol comprising reliable measures used in prior store-observation studies. It was developed for the National Cancer Institute’s State and Community Tobacco Control Initiative by the Retail Environment Working Group, with additional support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Epidemiology Branch. The tool was developed through a collaboration of public health departments, researchers, public health attorneys, federal partners, and tobacco-control advocacy organizations. fSTARS was designed for practitioners to inform state and local tobacco control policies for the point of sale. The survey was designed for use by self-trained youth and adults. It was selected because of its reliability, user-friendly format, and short completion time.
Language
English
Standards
| Standard | Name | ID | Source |
|---|
Derived Variables
None
Process and Review
Not Applicable
Protocol Name from Source
Standardized Tobacco Assessment for Retail Settings - Flavored Tobacco (fSTARS) Version 2.0
Source
Standardized Tobacco Assessment for Retail Settings: Flavored Tobacco (fSTARS), Version 2.0
Download fSTARS at the National Cancer Institute’s State and Community Tobacco Control Initiative website or the Store Assessment Tools section of the Counter Tobacco website.
General References
None
Protocol ID
741002
Variables
Export Variables| Variable Name | Variable ID | Variable Description | dbGaP Mapping |
|---|
Measure Name
Standardized Tobacco Assessment for Retail Settings
Release Date
May 3, 2024
Definition
A surveillance instrument for observational measures of point-of-sale tobacco marketing, including product availability, advertising, promotions, and price.
Purpose
The purpose of this measure is to conduct systematic observations of tobacco marketing at the point of sale in order to assess the availability of tobacco products, as well as advertising, promotions, and prices.
Keywords
Standardized Tobacco Assessment for Retail Settings, Point-of-sale marketing, availability, advertising, promotions, Price, standardized tobacco assessment for retail settings – flavored tobacco, fSTARS, Tobacco product advertisements, tobacco, product advertisements, Advertisements, marketing, tobacco products, e-cigarettes, electronic nicotine delivery systems, ENDS, blunts, little cigars, dip, Snuff, chew
Measure Protocols
| Protocol ID | Protocol Name |
|---|---|
| 741001 | Standardized Tobacco Assessment for Retail Settings |
| 741002 | Standardized Tobacco Assessment for Retail Settings - Flavored Tobacco |
Publications
There are no publications listed for this protocol.