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Cho A, Lim C, Sun T, Chan G, Gartner C. The effect of tobacco tax increase on price-minimizing tobacco purchasing behaviours: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Addiction 2024. [PMID: 39009013 DOI: 10.1111/add.16618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Tobacco product excise taxes are a cost-effective method for reducing tobacco consumption, but industry pricing and marketing strategies encourage consumers to engage in price-minimizing behaviours (PMBs). We investigated the relationship between tobacco tax increases and PMBs, measuring whether PMBs intensify following tax increases, whether low-income consumers with higher nicotine dependence are more likely to engage in PMBs and whether PMBs are negatively related to smoking cessation. METHOD This was a systematic review with meta-analysis of cross-sectional and longitudinal studies from seven databases up to March 2023, using studies that reported any product- and purchasing-related smoking behaviours post-tobacco tax increase in a general representative population. Sixty-eight studies were quality-assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. All studies were narratively synthesized, with five studies involving 13 068-26 575 participants providing data for pooled analyses on PMBs [purchasing lower-priced brands, roll-your-own (RYO) tobacco and cartons] pre- and post-tax increases using a random effects meta-analytical model. RESULTS Fifty-seven studies reported on legal PMBs, and 17 studies reported illicit cigarette purchasing. Meta-analysis showed that consecutive tax increases were positively associated with purchasing RYO [odds ratio (OR) = 1.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04-2.46], especially in higher tobacco taxing environments, with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 96%). Lower income and higher nicotine dependence were associated with purchasing lower-priced brands and RYO, whereas higher income and nicotine dependence were associated with purchasing cartons, large-sized packs and cross-border sales. Less evidence associated illicit tobacco purchases with tax increases or PMBs with smoking cessation. CONCLUSIONS Tobacco purchasers' PMBs vary widely by state, country and time-period within countries. Both legal and illegal PMBs, potentially influenced by industry pricing tactics, may exacerbate health inequalities and dilute the public health benefits of tobacco tax increases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ara Cho
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- The NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence on Achieving the Tobacco Endgame, School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Carmen Lim
- The NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence on Achieving the Tobacco Endgame, School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- The National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tianze Sun
- The NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence on Achieving the Tobacco Endgame, School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- The National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gary Chan
- The NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence on Achieving the Tobacco Endgame, School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- The National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Coral Gartner
- The NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence on Achieving the Tobacco Endgame, School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
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Sheikh ZD, Branston JR, Llorente BA, Maldonado N, Gilmore AB. Tobacco industry pricing strategies for single cigarettes and multistick packs after excise tax increases in Colombia. Tob Control 2023; 33:59-66. [PMID: 35641118 PMCID: PMC10803973 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2022-057333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Taxes on tobacco products are an efficient way of reducing consumption. However, they are only effective if passed on to consumers with higher prices. This study aims to examine tobacco industry (TI) pricing strategies in response to tax increases, and whether they differ by price segments or presentation (packs or individual sticks) in Colombia. This is the first such academic study in Latin America and the first anywhere to include the market for single sticks. METHODS Using data on cigarette pricing/taxation from a survey of smokers (2016-2017) and official government data on pricing (2007-2019), the TI's pricing strategies were examined, split by brand, price segments, different sized packs and single cigarettes. RESULTS The TI employed targeted pricing strategies in Colombia: differentially shifting taxes; and launching new brands/brand variants. The industry overshifted taxes when increases were smaller and predictable, but used undershifting more when there was a larger increase in 2017, after which it mostly overshifted on budget and premium (but undershifted mid-priced) brands. The prices for single sticks increased more than the tax increase in 2017 when their consumption also increased. CONCLUSION The pricing strategies identified suggest excise taxes can be increased further, particularly the specific component, to reduce the price gap between brand segments. Brands should be restricted to a single variant along with prohibitions on launching new brands/brand variants. Lastly, since the pricing of single sticks does not match the pattern of packs, more monitoring of their sales and distribution is required, especially since they promote consumption and hinder effective implementation of tobacco tax policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaineb Danish Sheikh
- Tobacco Control Research Group, Department of Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - J Robert Branston
- Tobacco Control Research Group, Department of Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
- School of Management, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | | | - Norman Maldonado
- PROESA - Research Center on Health Economics and Social Protection, Department of Economics, Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia
| | - Anna B Gilmore
- Tobacco Control Research Group, Department of Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
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Asa N, Knox MA, Oddo VM, Walkinshaw LP, Saelens BE, Chan N, Jones-Smith JC. Seattle's sweetened beverage tax implementation and changes in interior marketing displays. J Public Health Policy 2023; 44:588-601. [PMID: 37737324 DOI: 10.1057/s41271-023-00440-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Policymakers aim sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxes at decreasing SSB consumption; however, little is known about their impact on beverage marketing in the retail environment. We assessed changes in interior marketing displays within large food stores before and after the implementation of Seattle's SSB tax. We used Poisson difference-in-difference (DID) models to estimate whether presence and variety of interior beverage marketing displays in Seattle changed from before to after the tax compared to displays in non-taxed comparison area stores, overall, and by beverage type. We found no significant changes in overall SSB or non-SSB interior marketing displays in Seattle versus the comparison area. There was less of an increase in displays for diet soda (DID 0.79, 90% CI 0.65, 0.97), and more of an increase in displays for diet energy drinks (DID 1.78, 90% CI 1.03, 3.09) in Seattle versus comparison area. There was mixed evidence that stores changed interior marketing displays in response to the SSB tax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Asa
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Melissa A Knox
- Department of Economics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Vanessa M Oddo
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lina Pinero Walkinshaw
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Brian E Saelens
- Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Research Institute and University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nadine Chan
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jessica C Jones-Smith
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
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Pravosud V, Holmes LM, Lempert LK, Ling PM. Impacts of Tax and Flavor Tobacco Policies on San Francisco Bay Area Tobacco Prices. EVALUATION REVIEW 2023; 47:763-785. [PMID: 36943027 PMCID: PMC10542911 DOI: 10.1177/0193841x231164908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
California Proposition 56 increased the state tobacco tax by $2 per cigarette pack effective April 1, 2017. Between 2015-2020 San Francisco (SF) and some cities in Alameda County enacted local flavored tobacco sales restrictions. SF also increased its Cigarette Litter Abatement Fee, from $0.20/pack in 2015 to $1.00 in 2020. Compare the change in tobacco prices before (2015) and after (2019/20) the implementation of a $2 increase in tobacco excise tax and local flavored tobacco policies in SF and Alameda Counties. Descriptive study of the pre-to-post policy analysis design. We drew a proportional random sample of retailers (N=463) in SF and Alameda Counties, by city. Using multivariable, single- and multiple-level linear regressions, we compared inflation-adjusted average tobacco prices in 2015 vs. 2019/20 by county and by flavor policy, accounting for socio-demographics. Change in inflation-adjusted average tobacco prices in 2015 vs. 2019/20 by county and flavor policy, accounting for socio-demographics. Between 2015-2019/20, the increase in cigarette prices was higher than the $2 tax increase, and higher in SF than Alameda County (+$4.6 vs +$2.5). SF retailers stopped selling Newport menthol cigarettes and Blu brand menthol e-cigarettes in 2019/20. Adjusted average cigarette prices increased significantly more in SF and Alameda County cities with comprehensive or partial flavor policies versus cities without flavor policies (by $3.23 and $2.11). Local flavor policies affected menthol product availability and may have had positive spillover effects and indirectly increased pack prices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vira Pravosud
- Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Louisa M. Holmes
- The Pennsylvania State University, Departments of Geography and Demography, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Lauren K. Lempert
- Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Pamela M. Ling
- Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Reimold AE, Lee JGL, Ribisl KM. Tobacco company agreements with tobacco retailers for price discounts and prime placement of products and advertising: a scoping review. Tob Control 2023; 32:635-644. [PMID: 35074932 PMCID: PMC9359804 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2021-057026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objectives of this scoping review are to examine existing research on the often-secretive contracts between tobacco manufacturers and retailers, to identify contract requirements and incentives, and to assess the impact of contracts on the sales and marketing of tobacco products in the retail setting. DATA SOURCES The systematic search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest Political Science Database, Business Source Premier, ProQuest Agricultural & Environmental Science Collection, and Global Health through December 2020. STUDY SELECTION We included studies that collected and analysed empirical data related to tobacco contracts, tobacco manufacturers, and tobacco retailers. Two reviewers independently screened all 2786 studies, excluding 2694 titles and abstracts and 65 full texts resulting in 27 (0.97%) included studies. DATA EXTRACTION Study characteristics, contract prevalence, contract requirements and incentives, and the influence of contracts on the retail environment were extracted from each study. DATA SYNTHESIS We created an evidence table and conducted a narrative review of included studies. CONCLUSIONS Contracts are prevalent around the world and handsomely incentivise tobacco retailers in exchange for substantial manufacturer control of tobacco product availability, placement, pricing and promotion in the retail setting. Contracts allow tobacco companies to promote their products and undermine tobacco control efforts in the retail setting through discounted prices, promotions and highly visible placement of marketing materials and products. Policy recommendations include banning tobacco manufacturer contracts and retailer incentives along with more transparent reporting of contract incentives given to retailers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria E Reimold
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Joseph G L Lee
- University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Kurt M Ribisl
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Levy DT, Liber AC, Cadham C, Sanchez-Romero LM, Hyland A, Cummings M, Douglas C, Meza R, Henriksen L. Follow the money: a closer look at US tobacco industry marketing expenditures. Tob Control 2023; 32:575-582. [PMID: 35074930 PMCID: PMC9346571 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2021-056971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While much of the concern with tobacco industry marketing has focused on direct media advertising, a less explored form of marketing strategy is to discount prices. Price discounting is important because it keeps the purchase price low and can undermine the impact of tax increases. METHODS We examine annual US marketing expenditures from 1975 to 2019 by the largest cigarette and smokeless tobacco companies as reported to the Federal Trade Commission. We consider three categories: direct advertising, promotional allowances and price discounting. In addition to considering trends in these expenditures, we examine how price discounting expenditures relate to changes in product prices and excise taxes. RESULTS US direct advertising expenditures for cigarettes fell from 80% of total industry marketing expenditures in 1975 to less than 3% in 2019, while falling from 39% in 1985 to 6% in 2019 for smokeless tobacco. Price discounting expenditures for cigarettes became prominent after the Master Settlement Agreement and related tax increases in 2002. By 2019, 87% of cigarette marketing expenditures were for price discounts and 7% for promotional allowances. Smokeless marketing expenditures were similar: 72% for price promotions and 13% for promotional allowances. Price discounting increased with prices and taxes until reaching their currently high levels. CONCLUSIONS Between 1975 and 2019, direct advertising dramatically fell while price discounting and promotional expenditures increased. Local, state and federal policies are needed that apply non-tax mechanisms to increase tobacco prices and restrict industry contracts to offset industry marketing strategies. Further study is needed to better understand industry decisions about marketing expenditures.
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Affiliation(s)
- David T Levy
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Alex C Liber
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Christopher Cadham
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Michigan School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Andrew Hyland
- Health Behavior, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Michael Cummings
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Cliff Douglas
- Health Management and Policy, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Rafael Meza
- Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Lisa Henriksen
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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Sheikh ZD, Branston JR, van der Zee K, Gilmore AB. How has the tobacco industry passed tax changes through to consumers in 12 sub-Saharan African countries? Tob Control 2023:tc-2023-058054. [PMID: 37567600 DOI: 10.1136/tc-2023-058054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tobacco taxation is only effective in reducing consumption when it is translated into higher prices. This study aims to investigate to what extent the tobacco industry (TI) passes tax increases over to consumers by increasing the retail price of cigarettes in 12 sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. METHODS African Cigarette Prices Project and WHO's Global Tobacco Epidemic Reports data were used to calculate the rate of tax pass-through by decomposing the retail price of cigarettes into tax and net prices between 2016 and 2020. Percentage change in net price was used to identify industry pricing behaviour, in both packs and single-stick sales. TI pricing strategies were examined by country, producer type, producers, and cigarette price segment. RESULTS There were mixed TI strategies, with taxes primarily overshifted (Botswana, Madagascar, Tanzania, Zimbabwe), undershifted (Ethiopia, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia) or a mix of both (Malawi, Nigeria). The detail varied between countries, over time, and between the different brands/segments offered. Patterns for single-stick sales were broadly similar to that of packs but with some differences observed in particular countries/years. Pricing strategies for the various transnational tobacco companies and domestic producers were similar but the changes in net price for the latter were larger. The country tax level/type and the size of tax change did not seem to be an obvious influence. CONCLUSION This paper provides an overview of TI pricing strategies in response to tax increases in SSA. Governments must monitor how the TI responds to tax changes to ensure that tax increases are effective in impacting price.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kirsten van der Zee
- School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Western Cape, South Africa
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8
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Siegel LN, Cook S, Oh H, Liber AC, Levy DT, Fleischer NL. The longitudinal association between coupon receipt and established cigarette smoking initiation among young adults in USA. Tob Control 2023:tc-2023-058065. [PMID: 37468154 PMCID: PMC10796848 DOI: 10.1136/tc-2023-058065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tobacco companies frequently distribute coupons for their products. This marketing tactic may be particularly effective among young adults, who tend to be especially price-sensitive. Young adulthood is also a stage during which many individuals initiate established cigarette smoking and are especially vulnerable to the effects of tobacco marketing. METHODS We used five waves of data from the US Population Assessment on Tobacco and Health Study (2013-2019) to assess the longitudinal relationship between cigarette coupon receipt and initiation of established cigarette smoking among young adults (18-24 years) who did not report current smoking and had smoked <100 cigarettes in their lifetime at baseline. Initiation of established cigarette smoking was defined as reporting current cigarette use and having smoked ≥100 cigarettes at follow-up. To test this relationship, we fit four discrete time survival models to an unbalanced person-period data set. The first model included our time-varying coupon receipt variable, which was lagged one wave. Subsequent models added sociodemographic, cigarette smoking exposure and other tobacco use variables. RESULTS Adopting the model adjusting for sociodemographic variables, respondents who received a coupon were found to be more likely to initiate established cigarette smoking at follow-up (adjusted HR (aHR): 2.31, 95% CI 1.41 to 3.80). This relationship remained significant when controlling for all covariates in the fully adjusted model (aHR: 1.96, 95% CI 1.18 to 3.26). CONCLUSIONS These findings show that receiving tobacco coupons may increase the likelihood that young adults will initiate established cigarette smoking, underscoring the need to address the effects of this tobacco marketing tactic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leeann Nicole Siegel
- Tobacco Control Research Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Steven Cook
- Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Hayoung Oh
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Alex C Liber
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - David T Levy
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Nancy L Fleischer
- Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Kyriakos CN, Zatoński MZ, Filippidis FT. Marketing of flavour capsule cigarettes: a systematic review. Tob Control 2023; 32:e103-e112. [PMID: 35042725 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2021-057082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This systematic review aims to identify marketing elements of flavour capsule variants (FCVs), cigarettes that release flavour when a capsule(s) embedded in the filter is crushed. DATA SOURCES A search of original research without restrictions in publication year, population, study design or language using a combination of cigarette and capsule terms was conducted across four databases (Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus), indexed until 13 December 2021, along with a citation search. STUDY SELECTION Studies were included if they presented original research relevant to marketing features of FCVs. DATA EXTRACTION One author performed data extraction and coded outcomes based on '4Ps' of marketing mix theory: product, place, price and promotion. The second author conducted a cross-check. DATA SYNTHESIS Of 2436 unduplicated database records and 30 records from other sources, 40 studies were included in the review. Studies were published between 2009 and 2021. Study methodologies primarily included content analysis of cigarette packs/sticks, review of tobacco industry documents and content analysis of advertising information. Findings suggest FCVs are marketed using a mix of strategies, particularly characterised by product innovation, timing market launches around tobacco policies, point-of-sale advertising and packaging to communicate a high-tech, customisable and flavourful product. CONCLUSION Findings illuminate the marketing strategies of FCVs that are likely driving their global growth, particularly among young people and in low and middle-income countries. Comprehensive tobacco control regulations are needed to close loopholes and curb industry efforts to circumvent existing policies in order to mitigate uptake of FCVs and other product innovations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina N Kyriakos
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London School of Public Health, London, UK
| | - Mateusz Zygmunt Zatoński
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
- European Observatory of Health Inequalities, Calisia University, Kalisz, Poland
| | - Filippos T Filippidis
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London School of Public Health, London, UK
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10
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Sheikh ZD, Branston JR, Gilmore AB. Tobacco industry pricing strategies in response to excise tax policies: a systematic review. Tob Control 2023; 32:239-250. [PMID: 34373285 PMCID: PMC9985732 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2021-056630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore what is known about the tobacco industry's (TI) price-based responses to tobacco excise tax policies and whether these vary by country income group using a systematic review. DATA SOURCES Studies assessing TI pricing tactics were identified via searches of five online databases using a combination of search keywords. STUDY SELECTION Inclusion criteria were applied by two reviewers independently who screened all search results (titles and abstracts) for possible inclusion. They identified 37 publications that reported TI pricing tactics. DATA EXTRACTION Study details were tabulated, and information was extracted on the country income group, population characteristics, excise tax structure, and pricing strategies. DATA SYNTHESIS Of the 37 publications identified, 22 were conducted in high-income countries, while 15 covered low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Major pricing strategies employed were: differentially shifting taxes between products (35 studies); launching new brands/products as pathways for downtrading (six studies), product promotions and different prices for the same products for different customers (six studies); price smoothing (two studies); and changing product attributes such as length/size of cigarettes or production processes (three studies). CONCLUSIONS While there is limited evidence to fully ascertain industry responses to tax increases, this review suggests that the TI widely uses a multitude of sophisticated pricing strategies across different settings around the world with the intention of undermining tax policies, thereby increasing tobacco consumption and maximising their profits. There is a need for further research in this area especially in LMICs so that effective policy responses can be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaineb Danish Sheikh
- Tobacco Control Research Group (TCRG), Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - J Robert Branston
- Tobacco Control Research Group (TCRG), Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
- School of Management, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Anna B Gilmore
- Tobacco Control Research Group (TCRG), Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
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11
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Diaz MC, Kierstead EC, Khatib BS, Schillo BA, Tauras JA. Investigating the Impact of E-Cigarette Price and Tax on E-Cigarette Use Behavior. Am J Prev Med 2023; 64:797-804. [PMID: 36841634 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2023.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although the relationship between tax and price and youth cigarette use is well established, little is known about these associations and youth e-cigarette use. This research examines U.S. youth sensitivity to changes in e-cigarette prices and tax using standardized measures of e-cigarette taxes and prices. METHODS This analysis uses national data on past 30-day use and the number of days using e-cigarettes (i.e., the intensity of use) from the repeat cross-sectional 2015-2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, in combination with inflation-adjusted standardized e-cigarette price and tax data to understand whether changes in e-cigarette price and tax were associated with changes in e-cigarette use. Two-part demand regression models controlling for demographics and e-cigarette restriction policies were conducted to calculate price and tax elasticities of demand, in addition to $0.50 and $1.00 price and tax increase simulations. RESULTS Increased e-cigarette prices and taxes were associated with significant reductions in past 30-day use. Prices were also significantly associated with decreases in the intensity of use. A $0.50 and $1.00 tax increase leads to a 6.3% and 12.2% decrease in past 30-day use and a 4.7% and 9.3% decrease in intensity, respectively. A $0.50 and $1.00 price increase leads to a 4.1% and 8.2% decrease in past 30-day use and a 4.2% and 8.3% decrease in intensity, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Higher prices and taxes reduce youth current e-cigarette use and days using e-cigarettes. Policies increasing e-cigarette prices, such as excise taxes, can reduce youth current e-cigarette use and days using e-cigarettes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan C Diaz
- Schroeder Institute, Truth Initiative, Washington, District of Columbia.
| | | | - Bushraa S Khatib
- Schroeder Institute, Truth Initiative, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Barbara A Schillo
- Schroeder Institute, Truth Initiative, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - John A Tauras
- Department of Economics, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Health Economics Program, National Bureau of Economic Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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12
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Mamiya H, Schmidt AM, Moodie EEM, Buckeridge DL. Estimating the lagged effect of price discounting: a time-series study on sugar sweetened beverage purchasing in a supermarket. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1502. [PMID: 35932051 PMCID: PMC9356513 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13928-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Price discount is an unregulated obesogenic environmental risk factor for the purchasing of unhealthy food, including Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSB). Sales of price discounted food items are known to increase during the period of discounting. However, the presence and extent of the lagged effect of discounting, a sustained level of sales after discounting ends, is previously unaccounted for. We investigated the presence of the lagged effect of discounting on the sales of five SSB categories, which are soda, fruit juice, sport and energy drink, sugar-sweetened coffee and tea, and sugar-sweetened drinkable yogurt. Methods We fitted distributed lag models to weekly volume-standardized sales and percent discounting generated by a supermarket in Montreal, Canada between January 2008 and December 2013, inclusive (n = 311 weeks). Results While the sales of SSB increased during the period of discounting, there was no evidence of a prominent lagged effect of discounting in four of the five SSB; the exception was sports and energy drinks, where a posterior mean of 28,459 servings (95% credible interval: 2661 to 67,253) of excess sales can be attributed to the lagged effect in the target store during the 6 years study period. Conclusion Our results indicate that studies that do not account for the lagged effect of promotions may not fully capture the effect of price discounting for some food categories. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13928-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Mamiya
- School of Global and Population Health, Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Suite 1200, 2001 McGill College Avenue, Montreal, QC, H3A1G1, Canada.
| | - Alexandra M Schmidt
- School of Global and Population Health, Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Suite 1200, 2001 McGill College Avenue, Montreal, QC, H3A1G1, Canada
| | - Erica E M Moodie
- School of Global and Population Health, Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Suite 1200, 2001 McGill College Avenue, Montreal, QC, H3A1G1, Canada
| | - David L Buckeridge
- School of Global and Population Health, Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Suite 1200, 2001 McGill College Avenue, Montreal, QC, H3A1G1, Canada
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Ma H, Reimold AE, Ribisl KM. Trends in Cigarette Marketing Expenditures, 1975-2019: An Analysis of Federal Trade Commission Cigarette Reports. Nicotine Tob Res 2022; 24:919-923. [PMID: 34988582 PMCID: PMC9048889 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntab272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION With tightened regulations on cigarette marketing and decreased smoking, the major tobacco companies quickly shifted their marketing expenditures in recent decades to maintain profits. We investigated cigarette marketing expenditures in the United States from 1975 through 2019 to examine the trends in cigarette marketing expenditures over the past 45 years. AIMS AND METHODS Cigarette marketing expenditure data were obtained from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) cigarette reports, 1975-2019. Based on individual expenditure categories included in the FTC reports, we created seven aggregate categories for marketing expenditures: Retail; Print; Out of home; Free tobacco products and gifts; Sports, public entertainment, and sponsorships; Telephone and digital; and Other. Dollar amounts and percentages by category were examined to assess trends in marketing expenditures. RESULTS Cigarette marketing expenditures increased since 1975 and peaked in 2003 at $21.1 billion (adjusted dollars); afterward, they declined dramatically until 2010 and remained stable at around $9 billion through 2019. While all other expenditures decreased, retail expenditures increased, comprising more than 50% of expenditures in 1988 and reaching about 98% in 2019. In the retail category, tobacco companies spent the most on promotional allowances, coupons, and retail-value-added bonuses between 1988 and 2003, after which price discounts dominated retail spending. CONCLUSIONS Overall, cigarette marketing expenditures peaked in 2003 and retail first became the leading category in 1988. Tobacco companies adapted their marketing strategies in retail and allocated most of their retail spending on price discounts since 2003 to lower cigarette prices. IMPLICATIONS The major US tobacco companies directed the bulk of their vast spending on the retail environment since 1988. Moreover, they have dramatically shifted their marketing strategies within the retail category from cigarette advertising before 2003 to customer-directed price discounts since then. This shift may imply a change in focus from recruiting new smokers to retaining current smokers, in response to tax increases and government regulations. Accordingly, restrictions on price-related promotions in retail and nontax strategies should be implemented to counter tobacco companies' marketing efforts in retail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijing Ma
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Alexandria E Reimold
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kurt M Ribisl
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Silver N, Rahman B, Folger S, Bertrand A, Khatib B, Gbenro M, Schillo B. A content analysis of promotional features in US direct-mail from ads across tobacco products from 2018-2020. Nicotine Tob Res 2022; 24:1627-1634. [PMID: 35417549 PMCID: PMC9759106 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntac095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Direct-mail advertising is a crucial channel through which tobacco companies deliver price incentives that lower the barrier to tobacco use while promoting tobacco products via thematic appeals not legally permitted on other marketing channels. We examine the prevalence of price incentives and ad characteristics used in tobacco product ads mailed directly to US consumers. METHODS We analyzed the content of direct-mail tobacco advertisements (N= 1047) in circulation between January 2018 and December 2020 as captured by Mintel Comperemedia Direct. These ads were coded for product type, manufacturer/brand type, model characteristics, price incentives, and themes known to appeal to vulnerable subgroups. RESULTS Ads across all tobacco products included price incentives (96%) and contained themes that appealed to rural white (40%) and black audiences (15%). Themes known to appeal to youth and young adults were present in 40% of ads across all products, including 78% of ads promoting electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). Moreover, among the ENDS ads featuring youth appealing themes (51%), also featured young models. DISCUSSION Expanding on previous research which focused on combustible and smokeless tobacco products, this analysis examines direct-mail ads across the full range of tobacco products. Our findings highlight the need for regulations to address 1) the high prevalence of price incentives which undermine the effectiveness of excise taxes on tobacco use, and 2) ad themes and characteristics that appeal to groups vulnerable to tobacco use, both of which have the potential to further exacerbate tobacco related health disparities. IMPLICATIONS This study reinforces the importance of examining direct-mail as the dominant medium for tobacco advertising, particularly by including coupons and discount codes that reduce product price and thus circumventing the effect of tobacco-related tax legislation.Direct-mail encourages continued product loyalty and use and engages new consumers using price incentives and advertising strategies likely to appeal to price-sensitive consumers and other vulnerable populations.Substantial use of youth-appealing elements in ENDS ads contradict the tobacco industry's mandate to not appeal to youth, warranting highlighting the gaps in current regulations that allows them to continue appealing to this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Silver
- Truth Initiative Schroeder Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Basmah Rahman
- Evidence Synthesis Program, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Washington, DC USA
| | - Shanell Folger
- Truth Initiative Schroeder Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Bushraa Khatib
- Truth Initiative Schroeder Institute, Washington, DC, USA
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15
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Joseph N, Kar SS, Singh RJ, Patro B, Pala S, Kumar R, Purohit B, Medini SK, Kharbangar ON, Goel S. Pricing of tobacco products: Pre and post GST implementation. Indian J Tuberc 2021; 68S:S101-S104. [PMID: 34538382 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijtb.2021.08.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
There is ample evidence stating that any taxation policy that effectively increases the real price of tobacco products reduces its use. In the past, several countries have documented instances; wherein the intended effects of tobacco taxation were undermined by aggressive pricing strategies of the industry. However, there is a dearth of such evidence in Indian context. Hence, the current study was conducted to ascertain the changes in the retail price of locally available tobacco products during pre and post GST period in India. This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among all available tobacco products in the states of Meghalaya, Odisha, Puducherry and Telangana. The information on maximum retail price (MRP) pre and post GST implementation on tobacco products was gathered from the owners of Point of Sale (PoS), vendors and retailers of various tobacco products. The results showed that of the total 154 brands observed pre and post GST implementation, 33.12% [95%CI 25.75-41.15] did not exhibit any increase in their price. The proportion of tobacco product brands with decrease/no change in price was a higher in Meghalaya (PR = 44; 95%CI: 6.32-306.3), Odisha (PR = 23; 95%CI: 3.25-162.7) and Puducherry (PR = 1.48; 95%CI: 0.1-22.84) as compared to Telangana. As compared to cigarettes, smokeless tobacco (PR = 1.84; 95%CI 1.16-2.89) and bidi (PR = 1.74; 95%CI: 0.78-3.9) had more number of brands with a decrease/no change in price post GST implementation. Moreover, four new brands of smokeless tobacco were introduced into the market following GST implementation. The study clearly suggests a departure from the outcomes envisaged by taxation policy on tobacco products in the country. Given the importance of price as a determinant in tobacco use especially among youth, there is an urgent need for strengthening our tax regime for tobacco products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neema Joseph
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | | | | | - Binod Patro
- Department of Community Medicine and Family Medicine, AIIMS, Bhubaneshwar, India
| | - Star Pala
- Department of Community Medicine, NEIGRIHMS, Shillong, India
| | - Rajeev Kumar
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Bishwaranjan Purohit
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Shravan Kumar Medini
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ory Nica Kharbangar
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sonu Goel
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India; Public Health Masters Program, School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Ireland; Faculty of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, United Kingdom.
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16
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Acosta-Deprez V, Jou J, London M, Ai M, Chu C, Cermak N, Kozlovich S. Tobacco Control as an LGBTQ+ Issue: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Recommendations from LGBTQ+ Community Leaders. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:5546. [PMID: 34067341 PMCID: PMC8196887 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tobacco companies use price discounts, including coupons and rebates, to market their products. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) communities are targeted by these marketing strategies, contributing to inequitably high tobacco use. Some localities have adopted policies restricting tobacco price discounts; for successful implementation, community buy-in is crucial. From July-October 2018, Equality California staff conducted semi-structured interviews with seven participants in Los Angeles, CA. Themes included familiarity with tobacco price discounts, their perceived impact on tobacco use in LGBTQ+ communities, and attitudes toward potential policy restrictions. Interview notes were analyzed using a deductive approach to qualitative analysis. Awareness of tobacco price discounts varied; some interviewees were familiar, while others expressed surprise at their ubiquity. Price discounts were seen to disproportionately impact LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those who additionally identify with other vulnerable groups, including young people and communities of color. Support for policy restrictions was unanimous; however, interviewees expressed concern over political opposition and emphasized a need for culturally competent outreach to LGBTQ+ communities. Community organizations are essential in mobilizing support for policy reform. Understanding the perceptions and recommendations of community leaders provides tools for policy action, likely improving outcomes to reduce LGBTQ+ tobacco use through restricting tobacco price discounts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Acosta-Deprez
- Department of Health Science, California State University, Long Beach, CA 90802, USA; (V.A.-D.); (J.J.); (N.C.)
| | - Judy Jou
- Department of Health Science, California State University, Long Beach, CA 90802, USA; (V.A.-D.); (J.J.); (N.C.)
| | - Marisa London
- OUT Against Big Tobacco Program, Equality California, Los Angeles, CA 90010, USA; (M.L.); (M.A.)
| | - Mike Ai
- OUT Against Big Tobacco Program, Equality California, Los Angeles, CA 90010, USA; (M.L.); (M.A.)
| | - Carolyn Chu
- Urban and Regional Planning Masters Program, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
| | - Nhi Cermak
- Department of Health Science, California State University, Long Beach, CA 90802, USA; (V.A.-D.); (J.J.); (N.C.)
| | - Shannon Kozlovich
- Programs Department, Equality California, Los Angeles, CA 90010, USA
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17
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Sacks G, Kwon J, Backholer K. Do taxes on unhealthy foods and beverages influence food purchases? Curr Nutr Rep 2021; 10:179-187. [PMID: 33929703 DOI: 10.1007/s13668-021-00358-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Interest in taxes on unhealthy foods and beverages as a public health tool has increased in recent years. This paper aimed to summarise recent evidence of the impact of taxes on unhealthy foods and beverages on food purchases, and discuss opportunities to advance knowledge and policy impact. RECENT FINDINGS Evaluations of taxes on unhealthy foods and beverages have shown reductions in purchases of targeted unhealthy products and nutrients. Similarly, data from multiple sources demonstrate that as prices of unhealthy foods and beverages increase, purchase volume decreases. However, studies indicate potential for substitution to non-taxed unhealthy foods, which needs to be factored into taxation design. Taxes on unhealthy foods and beverages are a promising strategy to improve population diets. Further research is required to understand food industry responses to tax implementation, as well as the impact of taxes on population and planetary health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Sacks
- Global Obesity Centre, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria, 3125, Australia.
| | - Janelle Kwon
- Global Obesity Centre, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria, 3125, Australia
| | - Kathryn Backholer
- Global Obesity Centre, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria, 3125, Australia
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Apollonio DE, Dutra LM, Glantz SA. Associations between smoking trajectories, smoke-free laws and cigarette taxes in a longitudinal sample of youth and young adults. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246321. [PMID: 33571218 PMCID: PMC7877665 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cigarette smoking patterns vary within the population, with some individuals remaining never smokers, some remaining occasional users, and others progressing to daily use or quitting. There is little research on how population-level tobacco control policy interventions affect individuals within different smoking trajectories. We identified associations between tobacco control policy interventions and changes across different smoking trajectories among adolescents and young adults. Using 15 annual waves of data drawn from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 (NLSY97), we applied a group-based trajectory model to identify associations between days smoked per month, comprehensive smoke-free laws, cigarette tax rates, and known socio-demographic risk factors for membership in different smoking trajectories. Comprehensive smoke-free laws were associated with reduced risk of initiation and reductions in days smoked per month for all trajectories other than occasional users. Higher tax rates were associated with reduced risk of initiation and days smoked for all trajectories other than established users. Overall, population-based tobacco control policies, particularly comprehensive smoke-free laws, were associated with reduced smoking. Tobacco taxes primarily reduced risk of initiation and use among never smokers, experimenters, and quitters, consistent with previous research suggesting that tobacco manufacturers lower prices after tax increases to reduce the cost of continued smoking for established users. These results provide support for expanding smoke-free laws and establishing a minimum tobacco floor price, which could improve public health by reducing the risk of initiation as well as use among occasional and established smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorie E. Apollonio
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Lauren M. Dutra
- Center for Health Analytics, Media, and Policy, RTI International, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Stanton A. Glantz
- Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
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19
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Patanavanich R, Glantz SA. Association between tobacco control policies and hospital admissions for acute myocardial infarction in Thailand, 2006-2017: A time series analysis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242570. [PMID: 33264315 PMCID: PMC7710088 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Studies in many countries have documented reductions of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) hospitalizations with smokefree policies. However, evidence on the association of cigarette tax with AMI events is unclear. There have been no studies of the associations between these two policies and AMI hospitalizations in Thailand. Methods We used negative binomial time series analyses of AMI hospitalizations (ICD-10 codes I21.0-I21.9), stratified by sex and age groups, from October 2006 to September 2017 to determine whether there was a change in AMI hospitalizations as a result of the changes in cigarette prices and the implementation of a 100% smokefree law. Results Cigarette price increases were associated with a significant 4.7% drop in AMI hospitalizations among adults younger than 45 (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.953; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.914–0.993; p = 0.021). Implementation of the 100% smokefree law was followed by a significant 13.1% drop in AMI hospitalizations among adults younger than 45 (IRR, 0.869; 95% CI, 0.801–0.993; P = 0.001). There were not significant associations in older age groups. Conclusions The Thai cigarette tax policy and the smokefree law were associated with reduced AMI hospitalizations among younger adults. To improve effectiveness of the policies, taxes should be high enough to increase cigarette price above inflation rates, making cigarettes less likely to be purchased; smokefree laws should be strictly enforced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roengrudee Patanavanich
- Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United State of America
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Stanton A. Glantz
- Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United State of America
- * E-mail:
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20
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Apollonio DE, Glantz S. Tobacco manufacturer lobbying to undercut minimum price laws: an analysis of internal industry documents. Tob Control 2020; 29:e10-e17. [PMID: 31969381 PMCID: PMC7374022 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2019-055354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing the price of tobacco products has the potential to reduce tobacco consumption. As other forms of promotion have been increasingly restricted over time, tobacco manufacturers have relied more on trade discounts. Minimum price laws that prevented the use of manufacturer promotions were once common; however in most US jurisdictions these discounts are now legally protected. METHODS We collected tobacco industry documents, state legislation and court cases between 1987 and 2016 to review tobacco manufacturer strategies to change minimum price laws in the USA. RESULTS Beginning in 2000, tobacco manufacturers lobbied to amend minimum price legislation after state regulators indicated that manufacturer promotions were illegal under existing laws. Companies viewed changing these laws as critical to maintaining tobacco sales, and after the initiation of an industry lobbying campaign, at least 20 states changed the way they calculated tobacco prices. CONCLUSIONS Modifying existing minimum price laws so that manufacturer discounts are no longer protected, and implementing new minimum price policies with comparable scope, would likely increase prices and reduce tobacco use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorie E Apollonio
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Stanton Glantz
- Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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Liutkutė-Gumarov V, Galkus L, Petkevičienė J, Štelemėkas M, Miščikienė L, Mickevičienė A, Vaitkevičiūtė J. Illicit Tobacco in Lithuania: A Cross-Sectional Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E7291. [PMID: 33036211 PMCID: PMC7579345 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17197291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Taxation policies are the most cost-effective measure to reduce overall tobacco consumption. However, cigarettes in Lithuania are among the cheapest in the European Union. The threat of the illicit trade is often used to compromise evidence-based policies, pricing policies particularly. The aim of this study was to determine the extent of illicit cigarette consumption in Lithuania and identify the main characteristics of illicit cigarette smokers. The national cross-sectional survey with direct observation of the latest purchased pack of cigarettes was conducted between August and September 2019. In total, 1050 smokers aged ≥18 were interviewed face-to-face. The illicit share of the total consumption of cigarettes per year was 10.7% with 9.7% of smokers showing or describing illicit cigarette packs compared to 17% reported by industry-funded studies. Older smokers, smokers with lower education and heavy smokers were more likely to regularly purchase illicit cigarettes. The average price of an illicit pack was almost two times lower than licit. Although the illicit trade of tobacco products is a serious policy challenge, the threat of an increase in illicit trade should not delay tobacco taxation improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaida Liutkutė-Gumarov
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania; (V.L.-G.); (L.G.); (J.P.); (M.Š.); (L.M.)
| | - Lukas Galkus
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania; (V.L.-G.); (L.G.); (J.P.); (M.Š.); (L.M.)
| | - Janina Petkevičienė
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania; (V.L.-G.); (L.G.); (J.P.); (M.Š.); (L.M.)
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Mindaugas Štelemėkas
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania; (V.L.-G.); (L.G.); (J.P.); (M.Š.); (L.M.)
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Laura Miščikienė
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania; (V.L.-G.); (L.G.); (J.P.); (M.Š.); (L.M.)
- Department of Health Management, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Aušra Mickevičienė
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Justina Vaitkevičiūtė
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania; (V.L.-G.); (L.G.); (J.P.); (M.Š.); (L.M.)
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Keller-Hamilton B, Ferketich AK, Berman M, Conrad E, Roberts ME. Cigarette Prices in Rural and Urban Ohio: Effects of Census Tract Demographics. Health Promot Pract 2020; 21:37S-43S. [PMID: 31908190 DOI: 10.1177/1524839919881141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of smoking among rural Americans and Americans of lower socioeconomic status (SES) remains higher than among their urban and higher SES counterparts. Potential factors contributing to these disparities are area-based differences in the retail environment and tobacco control policies. We describe the association between neighborhood demographics and cigarette prices in rural and urban areas. Prices of one pack of Marlboro Reds, Newport menthols, and the cheapest cigarettes in the store were recorded from a stratified random sample of tobacco retailers in urban (N = 104) and rural (N = 109) Ohio in 2016. Associations between prices and census tract demographics (SES and race) were modeled separately in each region, controlling for store type. In the rural region, as the census tract income increased, the price of Marlboro and Newport cigarettes decreased, and the price of the cheapest pack of cigarettes increased. In the urban region, as the census tract income and percentage of White non-Hispanic people increased, the price of Marlboro decreased; there were no associations between census tract characteristics and the price of Newports or the cheapest cigarettes. Results describe a complex association between cigarette brand, prices, and area characteristics, where the cheapest brands of cigarettes can be obtained for the lowest prices in lower SES rural areas. Tobacco control policies that raise the price of cheap cigarettes, particularly minimum price laws, have the potential to reduce SES-related smoking disparities in both rural and urban populations.
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