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Review
. 2010 Mar;7(3):870-926.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph7030870. Epub 2010 Mar 8.

What is learned from longitudinal studies of advertising and youth drinking and smoking? A critical assessment

Jon P Nelson  1
Affiliations
Review

What is learned from longitudinal studies of advertising and youth drinking and smoking? A critical assessment

Jon P Nelson. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2010 Mar.

Abstract

This paper assesses the methodology employed in longitudinal studies of advertising and youth drinking and smoking behaviors. These studies often are given a causal interpretation in the psychology and public health literatures. Four issues are examined from the perspective of econometrics. First, specification and validation of empirical models. Second, empirical issues associated with measures of advertising receptivity and exposure. Third, potential endogeneity of receptivity and exposure variables. Fourth, sample selection bias in baseline and follow-up surveys. Longitudinal studies reviewed include 20 studies of youth drinking and 26 studies of youth smoking. Substantial shortcomings are found in the studies, which preclude a causal interpretation.

Keywords: advertising; alcohol; econometrics; longitudinal models; measurement of health; tobacco; youth.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Trends in 30-Day Alcohol Use.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Trends in 30-Day Cigarette Use.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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