Han MA. The price of tobacco and its effects on smoking behaviors in Korea: The 2015 Korea Community Health Survey.
Prev Med 2019;
120:71-77. [PMID:
30659910 DOI:
10.1016/j.ypmed.2019.01.010]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of the price of tobacco on smoking behaviors in Korean adult smokers using a population-based survey. Current smokers or former smokers who quit smoking <1 year prior to the survey were selected from the data of 2015 Korea Community Health Survey (N = 45,686). The effects of the price of tobacco on smoking behaviors were measured. The major effects were defined as quitting, reducing smoking and using electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. After tobacco prices increased, 3.8%, 22.8% and 5.4% of subjects quit, reduced smoking and switched to e-cigarettes. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for reducing smoking was significantly higher in subjects with a lower household income and lower education level than in those with a greater income and higher education level among current smokers. Subjects who started smoking at an older age, who smoked a smaller number of cigarettes smoked per day and who had been exposed to anti-smoking campaigns and anti-smoking information were more likely to reduce smoking after the price of tobacco increased. Younger subjects were less likely to reduce smoking, but they were more likely to use e-cigarettes after the price of tobacco increased. Low-income subjects were sensitive to increases in the price of tobacco. Additional strategies are required to change the smoking behaviors of heavy smokers. Future studies should investigate the long-term effects of increasing the price of tobacco, especially on younger adults, on smoking behaviors.
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