Discussion

Classmate J.A.

The article gave a detailed description about tobacco use in the United States, its impact, and strategies to reduce usage. The background and discussion used data , and statistics to support statements about the severity in tobacco use and preventive steps public health has made. Limiting smoking access in public spaces, reducing its availability and limiting opportunities to smoke in various institutions has been effective in reducing tobacco use. The article successfully explained how drastic the removal of tobacco as sale product at CVS Health was to the entity. A total of 7800 retail stores were altered to advertise against tobacco usage and completely stopped selling at tobacco items 1.

It was interesting to know that CVS Health was the first large retail store to be studied after removing cigarettes from their product list 1. Knowing this fact makes this study more valuable because its results, and impact on the population can be used to develop more preventive programs. Being that the CVS Health’s shift was successful and had a positive effect on cigarette purchasing patterns for the population. This data can be used to encourage other large retailers to remove cigarettes off their shelves to continue reducing cigarette purchasing in other communities.

Improvements :

Understanding how this change impacted CVS Health is very important if public health professionals want to convince other large retail stores to do the same. It would not be effective for just CVS Health to remove cigarettes off their shelf if other retailers were still offering it. Does this shift have a economical impact on retailers ? will other retailers buy into this initiative ? What prompted CVS Health to make this decision ? Understanding these factors are important if public health professionals want other large retailers follow in the footsteps of CVS Health.

Overall I think the article was very informative, and well written.

1. Polinski JM, Howell B, Gagnon MA, Kymes SM, Brennan TA, Shrank WH. Impact of CVS pharmacy's discontinuance of tobacco sales on cigarette purchasing (2012-2014). Am J Public Health. 2017;107:556-562. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2016.303612.

Classmate K.T.

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Evaluating and comparing a research article on the removal of tobacco products by a retailer,1 to the rubrics and standards step by the University of New England and their graduate capstone paper requirements,2 helps to strengthen students' understanding of what makes up a great capstone paper. The article concerning CVS Health and their pharmacies pulling tobacco products, listed a brief abstract that provided a clear objective, along with a description of the project's purpose and methods. The conclusion of the study was shared in a concise manner and data supported what could be thought of as a correct interpretation of the results. With a clear objective and message, the article led the reader to easily comprehend quickly and efficiently the purpose of the research and the public health implications for its application.

Considerations in strengthening the research article, as suggested by UNE's capstone requirements, would be a more thorough approach to listing research limitations and an analysis of opposing views.2 By including limitations and opposing viewpoints, or weaknesses it would have helped the reader to weigh the accuracy of the findings and evaluate data biases. 

This comparison will aid my efforts with my capstone paper by remembering to present opposing viewpoints that ultimately support a stronger outcome and exploration of additional solutions.

References

1. Polinski JM, Howell B, Gagnon MA, et al. Impact of CVS Pharmacy's Discontinuance of Tobacco Sales on Cigarette Purchasing (2012-2014). American Journal of Public Health. 2017;107:556-562. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2016.303612.

2. University of New England Public Health. 747 Capstone Overview. https://www/youtuve.com/watch?v=UCNwzf3R17Y&feature=youtu.be. Uploaded August 16, 2017. Accessed September 2018.

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