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Agrawal S. Harm from tobacco: a common thread. Thorax 2024; 79:1000-1001. [PMID: 39266237 DOI: 10.1136/thorax-2024-222191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Agrawal
- Institute for Lung Health, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK
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Kreslake JM, Cordova J, Seidenberg AB, Ali FRM, Schillo B, Marynak K. Youth and young adult flavour expectancies for new 'non-menthol' cigarettes introduced following California's ban on flavoured tobacco products. Tob Control 2024:tc-2024-058589. [PMID: 39256037 DOI: 10.1136/tc-2024-058589] [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: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following California's statewide law prohibiting the sale of flavoured tobacco products, some cigarette brands introduced new variants advertised as non-menthol, yet featuring design and text commonly found in menthol cigarette marketing. METHODS Data are from the February-May 2023 wave of the Tobacco Epidemic Evaluation Network (TEEN+) national probability-based survey (aged 13-25 years). Respondents (N=10 217) were shown images of two (of four) 'new non-menthol' brand ads or packaging and two comparators ('classic' non-menthol and menthol cigarette brands). Respondents reported expected taste of each (no or any minty/menthol taste; 'don't know'). Multinomial regression models tested associations between predictors (age, gender identity, race and ethnicity, perceived financial situation, smoking status) and expectation of minty/menthol taste. RESULTS Younger age was associated with expectations of minty/menthol taste, controlling for covariates. Respondents aged 13-17 years had greater odds of expecting minty/menthol taste than no minty/menthol taste for all tested new non-menthol brands (Camel Crush Oasis adjusted OR (aOR): 1.30, p<0.05; Camel Crisp aOR: 1.47, p<0.001; Kool Non-Menthol Blue aOR: 1.27, p<0.05; Kool Non-Menthol Green aOR: 1.43, p<0.01), compared to respondents aged 21 and older. Respondents aged 18-20 years had greater odds of reporting minty/menthol expectancies than no minty/menthol expectancies for Camel Crush Oasis (aOR: 1.35, p<0.05) and Kool Non-Menthol Green (aOR: 1.29, p<0.05) compared to those aged 21-25 years. Compared to non-Hispanic white respondents, non-Hispanic Asian respondents had greater odds of expecting minty/menthol taste than no minty/menthol taste for Camel Crush Oasis (aOR: 1.89, p<0.01), Kool Non-Menthol Blue (aOR: 1.88, p<0.01) and Kool Non-Menthol Green (aOR: 1.72, p<0.05). DISCUSSION Younger age was associated with expectations of new non-menthol cigarettes having a minty/menthol taste. Results raise concerns regarding the potential appeal of these products to youth and young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Barbara Schillo
- Truth Initiative Schroeder Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Kristy Marynak
- Office on Smoking and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Yang Y. An Estimation of the Prevalence of Smoking and e-Cigarette Use among U.S. Adults If Menthol Cigarettes and Flavored Cigars Are Banned. Subst Use Misuse 2024; 59:1394-1404. [PMID: 38725334 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2024.2352616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People's reaction to the FDA's ban on flavored cigarettes and cigars may be modified by a concurrent ban on flavored e-cigarettes. We aim to estimate the prevalence of smoking and e-cigarette use among U.S. adults under various ban scenarios. METHODS We collected the reactions of people who used cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes reactions to three hypothetical ban scenarios, (1) restricting menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars only, or (2) further restricting e-cigarettes with any flavors except menthol or tobacco, or (3) further restricting e-cigarettes with all flavors. The above data were analyzed to identify determinants of reactions and to estimate and calibrate the probabilities of quitting and switching to non-flavored cigarettes and cigars. Afterward, the probabilities were applied to 2018-2019 TUS-CPS respondents to estimate the prevalence of smoking and e-cigarette use. RESULTS Compared with the baseline, the prevalence of smoking decreased from 12.6% to 10.5%, and e-cigarette use increased from 2.6% to 3.8% in Scenario No.1. In Scenario No.2 and No.3, the prevalence of smoking was 10.5% and 10.7%, and the prevalence of e-cigarette use were 3.1% and 2.4%, respectively. For black people, the prevalence of smoking decreased from 14.2% in baseline to 8.1%-8.8% in three scenarios. CONCLUSIONS The result indicated that for a ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars, a concurrent ban on flavored e-cigarettes with an exemption of menthol flavor could be more effective in encouraging people to quit smoking. Black people may see a disproportionate benefit from all ban scenarios compared with other race/ethics groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Yang
- School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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Havermans A, Pauwels CGGM, Bakker-'t Hart IME, Fayokun R, van Nierop LE, Hellmich IM, Talhout R. Across the world availability of flavour accessories for tobacco products. Tob Control 2024:tc-2023-058255. [PMID: 38580443 DOI: 10.1136/tc-2023-058255] [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: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to provide an inventory of different types of flavour accessories for combustible tobacco products in eight countries varying in their approaches to flavour legislation and cultural aspects, including tobacco use. METHODS A standardised search protocol was developed and shared with local informants to acquire information on the availability and marketing of flavour accessories in web shops accessible from Brazil, India, Italy, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, the UK and the USA. Characteristics of the products and web shops were reported, and flavours were categorised in a flavour wheel. RESULTS Flavour accessories were available in all participating countries. Reported types are flavour capsules, cards, filter tips and tubes for make-your-own cigarettes, drops, sprays, rolling paper, aroma markers, a flavour stone and a flavour powder. In total, 118 unique flavours were reported, which were mostly fruity and sweet. Marketing of these products was often associated with (menthol) flavour bans. CONCLUSIONS The wide availability and variety of flavour accessories raise significant public health concerns, as they have attractive flavours, and thus hinder the regulatory aim of flavour bans. Flavour accessories are not tobacco products and thus not regulated as such. Therefore, it is recommended that policymakers include these products in comprehensive flavour bans, to close this loophole in existing tobacco control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Havermans
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte G G M Pauwels
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid M E Bakker-'t Hart
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ranti Fayokun
- No Tobacco Unit, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lotte E van Nierop
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ina M Hellmich
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Reinskje Talhout
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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Roberts ME, Patterson JG, Keller-Hamilton BL, Ferketich AK, Singer JM, Zettler PJ. JUUL and its 'Action Network' attempt to prevent a local flavour ban. Tob Control 2024; 33:e138-e139. [PMID: 36813570 DOI: 10.1136/tc-2022-057869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Roberts
- The Ohio State University College of Public Health, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | | | - Amy K Ferketich
- The Ohio State University College of Public Health, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jill M Singer
- The Ohio State University College of Public Health, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Patricia J Zettler
- Moritz College of Law and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Kyriakos CN, Chung-Hall J, Craig LV, Fong GT. Optimising a product standard for banning menthol and other flavours in tobacco products. Tob Control 2023:tc-2023-058174. [PMID: 37945342 PMCID: PMC11078886 DOI: 10.1136/tc-2023-058174] [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: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we highlight key issues that policymakers should consider when developing a product standard banning menthol and other flavours in tobacco products based on research evidence and experiences learnt from other countries. A flavour product standard may be optimised by (1) having a clear and comprehensive definition of flavour that includes a complete ban on additives that have flavour properties and/or evoke sensory/cooling effects (ie, menthol analogues and synthetic coolants that stimulate the cooling receptor of the brain) rather than only as a 'characterising flavour' and (2) applying the standard to all tobacco product categories as well as all components or parts of the tobacco product (ie, the tobacco, filter, wrapper or paper), including separate flavourings that can be added to the product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina N Kyriakos
- Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London School of Public Health, London, UK
| | - Janet Chung-Hall
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lorraine V Craig
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Geoffrey T Fong
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Kaai SC, Fong GT, Ong'ang'o JR, Goma F, Meng G, Craig LV, Ikamari L, Quah ACK, Elton-Marshall T. Prevalence, perceptions and factors associated with menthol cigarette smoking: findings from the ITC Kenya and Zambia Surveys. Tob Control 2023; 32:709-714. [PMID: 35459749 PMCID: PMC10646928 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2021-057100] [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: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Menthol masks the harshness of cigarette smoke, promotes youth smoking and encourages health-concerned smokers who incorrectly believe that menthols are less harmful to smoke menthols. This study of smokers in Kenya and Zambia is the first study in Africa to examine menthol use, smokers' beliefs about its harmfulness and the factors associated with menthols. METHODS Data were from the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Kenya Wave 2 (2018) and Zambia Wave 2 Survey (2014), involving nationally representative samples of smokers. This study focuses on 1246 adult smokers (644 in Kenya, 602 in Zambia) who reported smoking a usual brand of cigarettes (menthol or non-menthol). RESULTS Overall, menthol use was significantly higher among smokers in Zambia than in Kenya (48.0% vs 19.0%), females (45.6% vs 31.2% males), non-daily smokers (43.8% vs 30.0% daily) and those who exclusively smoked factory-made (FM) cigarettes (43.0% vs 15.2%). The erroneous belief that menthols are less harmful was more likely among smokers in Zambia than in Kenya (53.4% vs 29.3%) and among female smokers (38.5% vs 28.2%). In Kenya, menthol smoking was associated with being female (adjusted odds ratios (AOR)=3.07; p=0.03), worrying about future health (AOR=2.28; p=0.02) and disagreeing with the statement that smoking was calming (AOR=2.05; p=0.04). In Zambia, menthol use was associated with being female (AOR=3.91; p=0.002), completing primary school (AOR=2.14; p=0.03), being a non-daily smoker (AOR=2.29; p=0.03), exclusively using FM cigarettes (AOR=14.7; p<0.001), having a past quit attempt (AOR=1.54; p=0.02), believing that menthols are less harmful (AOR=3.80; p<0.001) and choosing menthols because they believed it was less harmful (AOR=3.52; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Menthols are highly prevalent among females in both countries. There is a need in African countries to combat the myth that menthols are less harmful and to ban menthol and other flavourings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Cherop Kaai
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Geoffrey T Fong
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Fastone Goma
- University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Gang Meng
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lorraine V Craig
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Anne C K Quah
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tara Elton-Marshall
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, London, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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van der Eijk Y, Teo KW, Tan GPP, Chua WM. Tobacco industry strategies for flavour capsule cigarettes: analysis of patents and internal industry documents. Tob Control 2023; 32:e53-e61. [PMID: 34611048 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2021-056792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global market for flavour capsule variants (FCVs), cigarettes with a crushable flavour capsule, has grown exponentially. To inform further regulatory efforts, it is important to understand tobacco industry strategies for FCVs. METHODS Analysis of data from 65 patents and 179 internal tobacco industry documents, retrieved via snowball searches in Patsnap and the Truth Tobacco Industry Documents Library, describing tobacco industry developments related to FCVs. We used an inductive coding method to identify themes relating to FCV features or developments. RESULTS Tobacco companies were developing FCVs since the 1960s, with little market success until the 2000s following the launch of Camel Crush, a brand which targeted millennials (in their teens or early 20s at the time). Tobacco companies have patented, but not yet marketed, FCVs with microcapsule surface coatings, adjustable or heat-triggered flavour release systems, airflow manipulation features, transparent filters to visualise flavour release, and various flavours and additives for capsules including nicotine/tobacco extracts for an on-demand nicotine hit. Tobacco companies developed FCVs purported to be reduced harm, although their own tests showed that FCVs have higher toxicant concentrations. They have also developed loose flavour capsule units designed to fit into cigarettes, packs, or recessed filters to enable users to customise cigarettes and circumvent tobacco flavour bans. CONCLUSIONS To prevent tobacco companies from targeting young people and exploiting regulatory loopholes, regulations on tobacco products should ban flavours and consider the broad variety of FCV designs, additives and loose products designed to impart flavour into tobacco products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvette van der Eijk
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ken Wah Teo
- Preventive Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Grace Ping Ping Tan
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wee Meng Chua
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Kyriakos CN, Zatoński MZ, Filippidis FT. Flavour capsule cigarette use and perceptions: a systematic review. Tob Control 2023; 32:e83-e94. [PMID: 34607888 PMCID: PMC10086486 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2021-056837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This systematic review on flavour capsule cigarettes aims to examine prevalence, correlates of use, behaviours and perceptions of these products globally. DATA SOURCES A search of original, peer-reviewed 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 30 April 2021. STUDY SELECTION Studies were included if they presented original, human subjects research on flavour capsule cigarettes. DATA EXTRACTION Two authors independently extracted data on main outcome results and assessed risk of bias using a validated quality assessment tool (QATSDD). DATA SYNTHESIS Of 842 unduplicated database records and four studies from citation searching screened, 20 studies were included in the review. Studies reported data from 2009 to 2019 across eight countries, the majority of which used cross-sectional or focus group study designs. Current capsule use among smokers was highest in Chile and Mexico (40%) and was associated with younger age, and in some countries, with being female. Capsule cigarettes are perceived as tasting better, being smoother on the throat, more fun to smoke, and more attractive compared with non-capsule cigarettes, particularly among susceptible non-smokers and non-daily smokers. CONCLUSION Findings call for the adoption of comprehensive tobacco control policies that account for flavour capsules and similar iterations, which can increase appeal through flavours and innovative features. Continued monitoring and research of these products is critical, with particular attention to low-income and middle-income countries, which make up a disproportionately larger share of the capsule market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina N Kyriakos
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mateusz Zygmunt Zatoński
- Tobacco Control Research Group, 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, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
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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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Kyriakos CN, Qi D, Chang K, Laverty AA, Filippidis FT. Global market trends of flavor capsule cigarettes and
menthol (non-capsule) cigarettes: An ecological analysis
using commercial data across 78 countries, 2010–2020. Tob Induc Dis 2022; 20:85. [PMID: 36304063 PMCID: PMC9549585 DOI: 10.18332/tid/153974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study describes market trends of flavor capsule cigarettes (FCCs) and menthol (non-capsule) cigarettes (MNCCs) across 78 countries from 2010 to 2020 and examines country-level factors associated with market shares of these products. METHODS Market share and retail volume data came from the Euromonitor Passport database and country-level data came from the World Health Organization (WHO), World Bank, and International Monetary Fund. Multivariable linear fixed effects panel regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the relationship between predictor variables and the market shares of menthol (non-capsule) cigarettes and flavor capsule cigarettes. RESULTS The overall market share (i.e. the percentage retail volume out of total retail volume of all cigarette types) increased from 0.23% in 2010 to 4.5% in 2020 for FCCs and decreased from 5.0% to 3.8% for MNCCs. Market shares of FCCs grew most rapidly in the Americas region and among upper middle-income countries. Market shares of MNCCs remained stable across most regions and were highest in the Western Pacific and Africa regions. The overall market share of FCCs was positively associated with the unemployment rate (β=0.28; 95% CI: 0.12–0.44, p=0.001), and inversely associated with the percent of the population aged 15–29 years (β= -0.57, 95% CI: -0.98 – -0.15, p=0.008), percent of urban population (β= -0.88; 95% CI: -1.28 – -0.48, p<0.001), GDP PPP per capita (β= -0.13; 95% CI: -0.24 – -0.03, p=0.015), and age-standardized prevalence of cigarette smoking (β= -0.93; 95% CI: -1.38 – -0.49, p<0.001). In contrast, the overall market share of MNCCs was positively associated with urbanicity (β=0.24; 95% CI: 0.08–0.40, p=0.003), and negatively associated with the unemployment rate (β= -0.09; 95% CI: -0.17 – -0.02, p=0.014). CONCLUSIONS Global sales of flavor capsule cigarettes grew substantially in the last decade, surpassing menthol (non-capsule) cigarettes, which also continued to be high in many regions. There is a need for increased efforts to address flavors and novel tobacco products, features that are known to appeal to youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina N. Kyriakos
- Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dickson Qi
- Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kiara Chang
- Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony A. Laverty
- Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Filippos T. Filippidis
- Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Evans-Reeves K, Lauber K, Hiscock R. The 'filter fraud' persists: the tobacco industry is still using filters to suggest lower health risks while destroying the environment. Tob Control 2022; 31:e80-e82. [PMID: 33903277 PMCID: PMC9340047 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2020-056245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kathrin Lauber
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, Somerset, UK
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Chung-Hall J, Fong GT, Meng G, Cummings KM, Hyland A, O'Connor RJ, Quah ACK, Craig LV. Evaluating the impact of menthol cigarette bans on cessation and smoking behaviours in Canada: longitudinal findings from the Canadian arm of the 2016-2018 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Surveys. Tob Control 2022; 31:556-563. [PMID: 33820856 PMCID: PMC8490485 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2020-056259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of menthol cigarette bans in seven Canadian provinces between 2016 and 2018. METHODS Longitudinal data from the Canadian arm of the 2016 and 2018 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey. 1098 non-menthol and 138 menthol smokers were surveyed pre-menthol and post-menthol cigarette bans. Multivariate logistic regression models examined associations between pre-post ban changes in smoking behaviour, including differences between menthol and non-menthol smokers in quit attempts and quitting. RESULTS At follow-up, 59.1% of pre-ban menthol smokers switched to non-menthol cigarettes; 21.5% quit smoking and 19.5% still smoked menthols, primarily purchased from First Nations reserves. Menthol smokers were more likely than non-menthol smokers to make a quit attempt (adjusted OR (aOR)=1.61, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.51), and to remain quit (aOR=2.30, 95% CI 1.06 to 5.01). Menthol smokers did not differ significantly from non-menthol smokers in quit success (aOR=1.72, 95% CI 0.98 to 3.01); however, daily menthol smokers were more likely than daily non-menthol smokers to quit (aOR=2.21, 95% CI 1.15 to 4.24), and daily menthol smokers who quit before the ban were more likely than daily non-menthol smokers to remain quit (aOR=2.81, 95% CI 1.15 to 6.85). CONCLUSIONS Although menthol smokers were most likely to switch to non-menthol cigarettes, the menthol ban was also significantly associated with higher rates of quit attempts and quit success among menthol smokers compared with non-menthol smokers, and may have helped to prevent relapse among menthol smokers who had quit smoking before the ban. Results confirm and extend evaluation of Ontario's menthol ban across provinces covering 83% of the Canadian population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Geoffrey T Fong
- Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gang Meng
- Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - K Michael Cummings
- Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Andrew Hyland
- Health Behavior, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Richard J O'Connor
- Health Behavior, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Anne C K Quah
- Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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van der Eijk Y. It is time to ban flavor capsule cigarettes. Tob Prev Cessat 2022; 8:22. [PMID: 35795261 PMCID: PMC9179177 DOI: 10.18332/tpc/150334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yvette van der Eijk
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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15
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East KA, Reid JL, Burkhalter R, Kock L, Hyland A, Fong GT, Hammond D. Evaluating the Outcomes of the Menthol Cigarette Ban in England by Comparing Menthol Cigarette Smoking Among Youth in England, Canada, and the US, 2018-2020. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2210029. [PMID: 35503218 PMCID: PMC9066289 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.10029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Importance Menthol cigarettes were prohibited in England in May 2020 and nationally in Canada in October 2017 but remain permitted in the US. Evidence on the outcomes of menthol cigarette bans among youth outside of Canada, and the characteristics of youth smokers, is lacking. Objectives To evaluate the outcomes of menthol cigarette bans on youth menthol cigarette smoking and to characterize youth menthol cigarette smokers in terms of demographics and cigarette consumption and dependence. Design, Setting, and Participants This survey study uses data from online repeat cross-sectional International Tobacco Control Youth Tobacco and Vaping Surveys conducted in 2018, 2019, February 2020, and August 2020. Participants included past 30-day smokers aged 16 to 19 years. Data analysis was performed from March 2021 to January 2022. Main Outcomes and Measures Usually smoke a brand of cigarettes that was menthol, including capsule. Exposures Menthol cigarette ban, comparing 3 countries over time: Canada, where a ban already existed, England, where a ban was implemented during the study, and the US, where no national ban was present. Age, sex, race, and consumption and dependence were also examined by menthol smoking in each country, and in England before vs after the ban. Results The analytical sample comprised 7067 participants aged 16 to 19 years, of whom 4129 were female and 5019 were White. In England, the weighted percentage of youth smokers who reported smoking a menthol or capsule cigarette brand was stable in the 3 survey waves before the menthol ban (2018 to February 2020, 9.4% vs 12.1%; adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.03; 95% CI, 0.99-1.06; P = .15) but decreased to 3.0% after the ban (February 2020 vs August 2020, AOR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04-1.10; P < .001). The decrease between February and August 2020 in England was similar across all demographic groups but was greater among youth who perceived themselves as addicted to cigarettes (AOR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.41-0.97; P = .04). In the 2 comparison countries, menthol or capsule smoking was stable across all waves (2018 to August 2020: US, 33.6%-36.9%; Canada, 3.1%-2.3%) and was more prevalent in the US than in England (AOR, 5.58; 95% CI, 4.63-6.72; P < .001). Menthol or capsule smoking was also more prevalent among smokers in England who were female vs male (10.9% vs 7.2%; AOR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.06; P = .002); among smokers in the US who identified as Black vs White (60.6% vs 31.9%; AOR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.23-1.44; P < .001) or who were frequent smokers (AOR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01-1.13; P = .03), smoked more cigarettes per day (2-5 vs 1, AOR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.02-1.15; P = .006; >5 vs 1, AOR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.03-1.18; P = .007), or had urges to smoke every or most days (AOR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.02-1.14; P = .006); and among smokers in Canada who perceived themselves as addicted to cigarettes (AOR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00-1.03; P = .01). Conclusions and Relevance In this survey study, the proportion of youth smokers who smoke menthol (including capsule) cigarettes decreased substantially after the menthol ban in England. This association was consistent across all demographic groups. Perceived addiction among menthol smokers was also lower where menthol cigarettes were banned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A. East
- School of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica L. Reid
- School of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robin Burkhalter
- School of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Loren Kock
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Hyland
- Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Geoffrey T. Fong
- School of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Hammond
- School of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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16
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Zatoński M, Silver K, Plummer S, Hiscock R. Menthol and flavored tobacco products in LMICs: A growing menace. Tob Induc Dis 2022; 20:39. [PMID: 35498956 PMCID: PMC9007155 DOI: 10.18332/tid/146366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION High income jurisdictions are banning menthol/flavored cigarettes and other tobacco products because they attract young people and create dependence. This study explores the importance of menthol and other flavored tobacco products for tobacco markets in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), identifies countries where the menthol/flavor share is particularly high or rapidly growing, and identifies strategies tobacco companies are using to develop menthol/flavor markets. METHODS Research involved analysis of menthol/flavor market data from 2005 to 2019, a systematic review of academic literature, and a scoping exercise with our advocate contacts in LMICs. RESULTS The median menthol/capsule market share of the cigarette market grew significantly (p<0.05) between 2005 and 2019, both in lower and upper middle-income countries [lower: 2.5% (IQR: 0.5-4.0) to 6.5% (IQR: 3.6-15.9); and upper: 4.0% (IQR: 0.8-9.8) to 12.3% (IQR: 3.5-24.3)]. Countries with both high market share and high market share growth were Russia, Guatemala, Peru and Nigeria. No market data were available on low-income countries, but the academic literature suggested high prevalence of menthol use in Zambia. Tobacco industry strategies underpinning growth of menthol/flavored tobacco use in LMICs included in-store marketing and display, colorful packs and non-conventional flavor names. CONCLUSIONS Menthol/flavor tobacco products are a growing problem in LMICs. In addition to menthol/flavor bans, we recommend marketing bans, point of sale display bans and standardized packaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Zatoński
- Tobacco Control Research Group, Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Karin Silver
- Tobacco-Tactics, Tobacco Control Research Group, Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Plummer
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Rosemary Hiscock
- Tobacco Control Research Group, Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
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Moodie C, Hoek J, Hammond D, Gallopel-Morvan K, Sendoya D, Rosen L, Mucan Özcan B, van der Eijk Y. Plain tobacco packaging: progress, challenges, learning and opportunities. Tob Control 2022; 31:263-271. [PMID: 35241599 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2021-056559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to overview progress made with respect to the adoption of plain (or standardised) packaging, key challenges faced, evaluative evidence and opportunities for extending this policy. It has been a decade since Australia became the first country to require tobacco products to be sold in plain packaging; after slow initial uptake, 16 countries have now fully implemented this policy. Since 2020, plain packaging laws have become more comprehensive in some countries, expanding coverage beyond traditional tobacco products to include heated tobacco, tobacco accessories (rolling papers) and other nicotine-containing products (e-cigarettes). Laws have also become more innovative: some now ban non-biodegradable filters, include provision for a periodic change of the pack colour or require both plain packaging and health-promoting pack inserts. The tobacco industry has and will continue to use multi-jurisdictional strategies to oppose this policy. Evaluations suggest that plain packaging has improved health outcomes and has not burdened retailers, although research is limited to early policy adopters and important gaps in the literature remain. While the power of packaging as a sales tool has diminished in markets with plain packaging, tobacco companies have exploited loopholes to continue to promote their products and have increasingly focused on filter innovations. Opportunities exist for governments to strengthen plain packaging laws.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crawford Moodie
- Institute for Social Marketing and Health, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Janet Hoek
- Departments of Public Health and Marketing, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - David Hammond
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Diego Sendoya
- Facultad de Derecho, Universidad de la Republica Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Laura Rosen
- Department of Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Tel Aviv University Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Burcu Mucan Özcan
- Department of Business Administration, Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Yvette van der Eijk
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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18
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Kong AY, King BA. Boosting the Tobacco Control Vaccine: recognizing the role of the retail environment in addressing tobacco use and disparities. Tob Control 2021; 30:e162-e168. [PMID: 32967986 PMCID: PMC9377406 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2020-055722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Much of the progress in reducing cigarette smoking and tobacco-related morbidity and mortality among youth and adults is attributable to population-level strategies previously described in the context of the Tobacco Control Vaccine. The retail environment is used heavily by the tobacco industry to promote and advertise its products, and variations in exposure to and characteristics of the retail environment exist across demographic groups. It is therefore also an essential environment for further reducing smoking, as well as ameliorating racial, ethnic and socioeconomic tobacco-related disparities. This commentary provides an overview of the importance of incorporating strategies focused on the tobacco retailer environment (availability; pricing and promotion; advertising and display; age of sale; and retail licensure) as part of a comprehensive approach to tobacco prevention and control. To reach tobacco endgame targets, such innovative strategies are a complement to, but not a replacement for, long-standing evidence-based components of the Tobacco Control Vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Y Kong
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Brian A King
- Office on Smoking and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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19
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Przewoźniak K, Kyriakos CN, Hiscock R, Radu-Loghin C, Fong GT. Effects of and challenges to bans on menthol and other flavors in tobacco products. Tob Prev Cessat 2021; 7:68. [PMID: 34825113 PMCID: PMC8591489 DOI: 10.18332/tpc/143072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Przewoźniak
- Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
- Health Promotion Foundation, Nadarzyn, Poland
- Collegium Civitas, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Christina N Kyriakos
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rosemary Hiscock
- Tobacco Control Research Group, Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | | | - Geoffrey T Fong
- Department of Psychology, School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Canada
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20
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Guydish JR, Straus ER, Le T, Gubner N, Delucchi KL. Menthol cigarette use in substance use disorder treatment before and after implementation of a county-wide flavoured tobacco ban. Tob Control 2021; 30:616-622. [PMID: 33177211 PMCID: PMC8110613 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2020-056000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study examined the impact of a San Francisco City and County ban on all flavoured tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes, among clients in residential substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. METHODS We conducted cross-sectional surveys of clients at two residential SUD programmes before the County began enforcing the ban (n=160) and twice after enforcement began (n=102, n=120). The samples were compared on demographic characteristics, smoking status, smoking behaviours and the proportion reporting menthol as their usual cigarette. Menthol smokers were asked whether they smoked only menthol cigarettes, mostly menthol, both menthol and non-menthol or mostly non-menthol. Post-ban samples were asked about awareness of the ban and access to menthol cigarettes. RESULTS In multivariate analyses, we found no evidence that the ban was associated with decreased number of cigarettes per day or increased readiness to quit among current smokers. However, odds were lower post-ban for reporting menthol as the usual cigarette (OR=0.80, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.90), and for smoking only menthol cigarettes (OR=0.19, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.19). Perhaps most importantly, and with the ability to influence all other findings, 50% of self-identified menthol smokers reported purchasing menthol cigarettes in San Francisco nearly 1 year after the ban was implemented. CONCLUSION In subgroups where smoking has remained elevated, like those receiving SUD treatment, local menthol bans may have only modest impacts on smoking behaviour. Broader regional, state or national bans, that effectively restrict access to menthol products, may be needed to show stronger effects on smoking behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R Guydish
- Phillip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Elana R Straus
- Phillip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Thao Le
- Phillip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Noah Gubner
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kevin L Delucchi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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21
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Branston JR, Hiscock R, Silver K, Arnott D, Gilmore AB. Cigarette-like cigarillo introduced to bypass taxation, standardised packaging, minimum pack sizes, and menthol ban in the UK. Tob Control 2021; 30:708-711. [PMID: 32848080 PMCID: PMC8543195 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2020-055700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J Robert Branston
- School of Management, University of Bath, Bath, UK
- Tobacco Control Research Group, Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Rosemary Hiscock
- Tobacco Control Research Group, Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Karin Silver
- Tobacco Control Research Group, Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | | | - Anna B Gilmore
- Tobacco Control Research Group, Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
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22
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Goel S, Kar SS, Verma M, Sivanantham P, Naik BN, Gupta D. Evidence on article 5.3 of FCTC (tobacco industry interference in tobacco control activities) in India- a qualitative scoping study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1855. [PMID: 34649546 PMCID: PMC8515702 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11773-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Tobacco Industry (henceforth TI) yearns to portray itself as being "socially responsible" and fights for the decision-making positions; that are it used to deter, delay or dilute tobacco control measures. There is little documented evidence of Tobacco Industry Interference (henceforth TII) from India, the scope of their interference and challenges faced by the experts for effective tobacco control. This research study seeks to cover this significant gap in the literature on the TI of India. METHODS A cross-sectional qualitative research design, based upon in-depth interviews (N = 26), was used to explore the key stakeholders' opinions regarding TII in India. The interviews used a set of questions to collect information about the participant's roles and responsibilities in tobacco control, the nature of TII faced by the participants, means of influence by TI, barriers and challenges to tobacco control efforts. RESULTS Most of the respondents were engaged in tobacco control, training, advocacy and awareness generation activities for 5-10 years or more. The respondents defined the TI and its scope as per their experience with the help of the power ranking methodology. Most of them perceived TI as 'manufacturers' while others consider them as 'advertisers', 'public relation companies', 'wholesalers', 'vendors', and 'Government firms with TI stocks. The research team identified six significant domains: influencing the policy and administrative decisions, Interference in the implementation of tobacco control laws and activities, false propaganda and hiding the truth, manipulating front action groups (FAG), rampant tobacco advertising and promotion activities and others under which TII activities were classified. Most respondents believed that TI players were interfering in the policy decisions, implementing the tobacco control laws and activities and manipulating the FAG. A detailed taxonomic classification of the TII strategies that emerged from our analysis was linked to article 5.3 of FCTC. CONCLUSIONS The study documented a significant level of TII in different domains, with stakeholders acting at various hierarchical levels. Thus providing insight into the tactics of the TI in order to enable stakeholders to anticipate and pre-empt the kinds of alliances the TI may attempt to build; stimulating academicians and researchers to undertake in-depth analysis into various strategies and therefore underscoring the need to ensuring transparency in official interaction with the TI and its representatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonu Goel
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Sector 12, Chandigarh, 160012 India
- Public Health Masters Program at School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Faculty of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Sitanshu Sekhar Kar
- Department of Preventive & Social Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Madhur Verma
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Bathinda, Bathinda, Punjab India
| | - Parthibane Sivanantham
- Department of Preventive & Social Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Bijay Nanda Naik
- Community & Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Patna, Patna, India
| | - Deepti Gupta
- Department of English and Cultural Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
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23
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Branston JR. Industry profits continue to drive the tobacco epidemic: A new endgame for tobacco control? Tob Prev Cessat 2021; 7:45. [PMID: 34179591 PMCID: PMC8193577 DOI: 10.18332/tpc/138232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J Robert Branston
- School of Management, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom.,Tobacco Control Research Group, Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
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24
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van der Eijk Y, Ng XY, Lee JK. Cross-sectional survey of flavored cigarette use among adult smokers in Singapore. Tob Induc Dis 2021; 19:42. [PMID: 34131420 PMCID: PMC8173988 DOI: 10.18332/tid/135321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Singapore, a city-state with a multi-ethnic Asian population, has one of the world's largest market shares for cigarettes with added flavors, such as menthol and fruit, which increase the appeal of smoking. Little is known on the sociodemographic or smoking-related traits associated with flavored cigarette use in the Asian context. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted in January-March 2020 of 1123 Singaporean adult (aged 21-69 years) current smokers using a self-completed online or postal questionnaire. We used descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses to compare the answers of flavored and non-flavored cigarette users and fitted a multivariate logistic regression model to identify correlates of flavored cigarette use. RESULTS Of the respondents, 85.2% reported ever use and 52.7% of respondents with a regular brand reported current use of flavored cigarettes. Older age 40-49 years (AOR= 0.63) age ≥50 years (AOR=0.60), Indian ethnicity (AOR=0.39), and a moderate (AOR=0.57) or high (AOR=0.34) dependence level were correlated with non-flavored cigarette use, while female gender (AOR=2.53) and a later initiation age (16-20 years: AOR=1.72; age ≥21 years: AOR=2.19) were correlated with flavored cigarette use. CONCLUSIONS Consistent with findings from other countries, flavored cigarette use in Singapore is associated with being younger in age, female, of a certain ethnicity (Malay or Chinese), and having a lower nicotine dependence level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvette van der Eijk
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xian Yi Ng
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jeong Kyu Lee
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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25
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Kock L, Shahab L, Moore G, Beard E, Bauld L, Reid G, Brose L, Horton M, Gould A, Brown J. Protocol for expansion of an existing national monthly survey of smoking behaviour and alcohol use in England to Scotland and Wales: The Smoking and Alcohol Toolkit Study. Wellcome Open Res 2021; 6:67. [PMID: 34458587 PMCID: PMC8370132 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16700.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Smoking and Alcohol Toolkit Study (STS/ATS) in England has delivered timely insights to inform and evaluate strategies aimed at reducing tobacco smoking- and alcohol-related harm. From the end of 2020 until at least 2024 the STS/ATS is expanding to Scotland and Wales to include all constituent nations in Great Britain. Expanding data collection to Scotland and Wales will permit the evaluation of how smoking and alcohol related behaviours respond to divergent policy scenarios across the devolved nations. Methods The STS/ATS consists of monthly cross-sectional household interviews (computer or telephone assisted) of representative samples of adults in Great Britain aged 16+ years. Commencing in October 2020 each month a new sample of approximately 1700 adults in England, 450 adults in Scotland and 300 adults in Wales complete the survey (~n = 29,400 per year). The expansion of the survey to Scotland and Wales has been funded for the collection of at least 48 waves of data across four years. The data collected cover a broad range of smoking and alcohol-related parameters (including but not limited to smoking status, cigarette/nicotine dependence, route to quit smoking, prevalence and frequency of hazardous drinking, attempts and motivation to reduce alcohol consumption, help sought and motives for attempts to reduce alcohol intake) and socio-demographic characteristics (including but not limited to age, gender, region, socio-economic position) and will be reviewed monthly and refined in response to evolving policy needs and public interests. All data analyses will be pre-specified and available on a free online platform. A dedicated website will publish descriptive data on important trends each month. Discussion The Smoking and Alcohol Toolkit Study will provide timely monitoring of smoking and alcohol related behaviours to inform and evaluate national policies across Great Britain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loren Kock
- Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Lion Shahab
- Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Graham Moore
- DECIPHer, School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Emma Beard
- Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Linda Bauld
- Usher Institute, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Leonie Brose
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Marie Horton
- Population Health Analysis, Health Intelligence, Public Health England, London, UK
| | | | - Jamie Brown
- Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
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Gillespie D, Hatchard J, Squires H, Gilmore A, Brennan A. Conceptualising changes to tobacco and alcohol policy as affecting a single interlinked system. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:17. [PMID: 33397324 PMCID: PMC7783976 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-10000-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To support a move towards a coordinated non-communicable disease approach in public health policy, it is important to conceptualise changes to policy on tobacco and alcohol as affecting a single interlinked system. For health economic models to effectively inform policy, the first step in their development should be to develop a conceptual understanding of the system complexity that is likely to affect the outcomes of policy change. Our aim in this study was to support the development and interpretation of health economic models of the effects of changes to tobacco and alcohol policies by developing a conceptual understanding of the main components and mechanisms in the system that links policy change to outcomes. METHODS Our study was based on a workshop from which we captured data on participant discussions on the joint tobacco-alcohol policy system. To inform these discussions, we prepared with a literature review and a survey of participants. Participants were academics and policy professionals who work in the United Kingdom. Data were analysed thematically to produce a description of the main components and mechanisms within the system. RESULTS Of the people invited, 24 completed the survey (18 academic, 6 policy); 21 attended the workshop (16 academic, 5 policy). Our analysis identified eleven mechanisms through which individuals might modify the effects of a policy change, which include mechanisms that might lead to linked effects of policy change on tobacco and alcohol consumption. We identified ten mechanisms by which the tobacco and alcohol industries might modify the effects of policy changes, grouped into two categories: Reducing policy effectiveness; Enacting counter-measures. Finally, we identified eighteen research questions that indicate potential avenues for further work to understand the potential outcomes of policy change. CONCLUSIONS Model development should carefully consider the ways in which individuals and the tobacco and alcohol industries might modify the effects of policy change, and the extent to which this results in an unequal societal distribution of outcomes. Modelled evidence should then be interpreted in the light of the conceptual understanding of the system that the modelling necessarily simplifies in order to predict the outcomes of policy change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duncan Gillespie
- School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield, Regent Court, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK.
- UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies, Nottingham, UK.
- SPECTRUM Consortium, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Jenny Hatchard
- UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies, Nottingham, UK
- Tobacco Control Research Group, Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Hazel Squires
- School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield, Regent Court, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK
- UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies, Nottingham, UK
| | - Anna Gilmore
- UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies, Nottingham, UK
- SPECTRUM Consortium, Edinburgh, UK
- Tobacco Control Research Group, Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Alan Brennan
- School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield, Regent Court, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK
- UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies, Nottingham, UK
- SPECTRUM Consortium, Edinburgh, UK
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Peruzzi M, Cavarretta E, Frati G, Carnevale R, Miraldi F, Biondi-Zoccai G, Sciarretta S, Versaci F, Cammalleri V, Avino P, Protano C, Vitali M. Comparative Indoor Pollution from Glo, Iqos, and Juul, Using Traditional Combustion Cigarettes as Benchmark: Evidence from the Randomized SUR-VAPES AIR Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17176029. [PMID: 32825020 PMCID: PMC7504617 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17176029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Modified risk products (MRP) such as electronic vaping cigarettes (EVC) and heat-not-burn cigarettes (HNBC) are appealing alternatives to combustion cigarettes. Limited between- and within-device comparative data are available on MRP. We aimed at comparing indoor particulate matter (PM) emissions measured in a randomized trial enforcing standardized smoking sessions, testing different devices and flavors of MRP, using traditional combustion cigarettes (TCC) as benchmark. Overall, MRP yielded significantly lower levels of indoor PM in comparison to TCC (with median PM levels during smoking for MRP < 100 μg/m3, and for TCC > 1000 μg/m3). Despite this, significant differences among MRP were found, with Iqos appearing associated with a significantly lower burden of emissions for all the monitored fractions of PM, including total PM (all p < 0.05). Precisely, during use, PM ≤1 µm (PM1) emissions were 28 (16; 28) μg/m3 for Glo, 25 (15; 57) μg/m3 for Iqos, and 73 (15; 559) μg/m3 for Juul (p < 0.001 for Glo vs. Iqos, p < 0.001 for Glo vs. Juul, and p = 0.045 for Iqos vs. Juul). Exploratory within-MRP analyses suggested significant differences between flavors, favoring, for instance, Ultramarine for Glo, Bronze for Iqos, and Mango for Juul, even if results varied substantially according to individual smoker. In conclusion, leading MRP have significantly less intense and persistent effects on indoor pollution in comparison to TCC. Yet, when focusing solely on MRP, between-product and between-flavor differences appear, with quantitative estimates suggesting lower polluting effects with Iqos. These results, if confirmed externally, could be used to individualize product and flavor choice to minimize the untoward effects of EVC and HNBC on indoor pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela Peruzzi
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica 74, 04100 Latina, Italy; (E.C.); (G.F.); (R.C.); (G.B.-Z.); (S.S.)
- Mediterranea Cardiocentro, 80122 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: or
| | - Elena Cavarretta
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica 74, 04100 Latina, Italy; (E.C.); (G.F.); (R.C.); (G.B.-Z.); (S.S.)
- Mediterranea Cardiocentro, 80122 Naples, Italy
| | - Giacomo Frati
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica 74, 04100 Latina, Italy; (E.C.); (G.F.); (R.C.); (G.B.-Z.); (S.S.)
- IRCCS NEUROMED, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Roberto Carnevale
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica 74, 04100 Latina, Italy; (E.C.); (G.F.); (R.C.); (G.B.-Z.); (S.S.)
- Mediterranea Cardiocentro, 80122 Naples, Italy
| | - Fabio Miraldi
- Department of Clinical, Internal Medicine, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Biondi-Zoccai
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica 74, 04100 Latina, Italy; (E.C.); (G.F.); (R.C.); (G.B.-Z.); (S.S.)
- Mediterranea Cardiocentro, 80122 Naples, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Sciarretta
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica 74, 04100 Latina, Italy; (E.C.); (G.F.); (R.C.); (G.B.-Z.); (S.S.)
- IRCCS NEUROMED, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Francesco Versaci
- UOC UTIC Emodinamica e Cardiologia, Ospedale Santa Maria Goretti, Via Antonio Canova, 04100 Latina, Italy;
| | - Vittoria Cammalleri
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (C.P.); (M.V.)
| | - Pasquale Avino
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences (DiAAA), University of Molise, via De Sanctis, 86100 Campobasso, Italy;
| | - Carmela Protano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (C.P.); (M.V.)
| | - Matteo Vitali
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (C.P.); (M.V.)
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