Much of the PRCHN’s tobacco prevention and cessation research is led by Director Erika Trapl, PhD. Dr. Trapl uses a classical epidemiological approach to youth tobacco use. Using quantitative data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) and qualitative interview data, she aims to understand the characteristics, correlates, and associated risk factors of cigar, cigarillo, and little cigar users in a local context.
The general results of this research can be found in the following PRCHN data briefs:
In April 2016, the Ohio Public Health Association (OPHA) awarded Dr. Trapl the Public Health Policy Award for her contributions to the adoption of Tobacco 21 and the proposed flavored tobacco sales restrictions.