Public opinion analysis regarding the uses of master settlement agreement (MSA) funds.

Objectives: In the present research, we assessed the relationship between characteristics of the residents of Long Beach, California, a typical city in America, and their opinions regarding the uses of master settlement agreement (MSA) funds.

Methods: The statistical analyses used in the present research included univariate frequency distributions, cross-tabulations, and classification and regression trees.

Results: The results indicate that the majority of Long Beach residents share the opinion that the MSA funds should be allocated to health programmes. They do not, however, feel that these funds need to be earmarked solely for smoking prevention or cessation.

Conclusions: Due to state budget deficits, legislators may strongly advocate for the MSA funds to be used for non-health purposes. Our findings provide support for community advocates who wish to bring the current uses of MSA funds and tobacco taxes to the forefront of national and international public debate.