Tobacco price elasticity by socioeconomic characteristics in Ecuador.

Smoking is a worldwide epidemic and increased prices are one of the most cost-effective measures to reduce tobacco consumption. This article aims to estimate the price and income elasticity of cigarettes for different population groups in Ecuador. The National Survey of Urban and Rural Household Income and Expenditures (ENIGHUR) 2011-2012 was used, which has information on household cigarette consumption and its sociodemographic characteristics. Deaton's Almost Ideal Demand System, which decouples the effect of quality on the price of the good, was applied. The elasticities were calculated for several groups: urban/rural, income levels (tertiles), education level, sex and age ranges of the household head, and frequency of cigarette purchases in households. The estimated price elasticity nationwide is -0.89 and the income elasticity is 0.41, both statistically significant. Households headed by women (-2.22) are more sensitive to an increase in cigarette prices than those headed by men (-0.65) and households headed by people between 20 and 40 years of age (-2.32) have a higher price elasticity compared to country-level estimations. Differences within other groups are not statistically significant.

Survey from 61,748 schools in four States of India on sale of tobacco products near schools.

BACKGROUND: Children form the most vulnerable strata of the society and the tobacco industry is known to target them. Article 16 of the Framework Convention of Tobacco Control (FCTC) calls for prohibition of tobacco sales to and by minors. Although interventions to stop such sales are based on sound science, it is widely acknowledged that many countries find implementation, full of challenges. In India, sales near educational institutions are banned by law, Section 6b of the Cigarettes & Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). We conducted a survey of violations in four states [Andhra Pradesh (AP), Karnataka (KA), Meghalaya (ML), Uttar Pradesh (UP)] of India to report the number of violations and to assess if there was an association between the schools with violations and variables such as gender, size, category, location of schools. METHODS: Schools in these States were asked to report the number of shops selling tobacco within 100 yards on an App circulated to all schools (289,392 in number). Chi-square tests, univariate and multivariate logistic regression performed to find association between schools with violations by Category of School, Size of School, Gender of students and location (Urban/Rural). FINDINGS: Responses were received from 61,748 (21.3%) schools of which 16,193 (26.2%) reported violations. It was observed that the percentages of the schools with violations were similar to the prevalence of tobacco usage in the state. Four states AP, KA, ML, UP reported violations 22.2%, 17.5%, 42.9% and 31.4% respectively. On chi-square tests, there was a significant association for the states of KA and ML with regards to variables like size, category, location of schools (p-value <0.001). For AP, all variables were significantly different (p-value <0.001) while for UP variables like size and gender were significant. On logistic regression, there was significant association between the variables like size (>100), category (Upper Primary) and location (urban) for tobacco shops violations in both KA and ML except for the school category that was secondary in ML. While for AP and UP, only size (>100), location (urban) of schools have a significant association with the violations of tobacco shops. Logistic regression of pooled data of four states school size (>100) and school category (primary) and location (urban) had significantly higher association of violation of tobacco shops. INTERPRETATION: This is the first large survey with responses from almost all parts of the four states in India. This study shows significant association with the size, category and location of schools. We anticipate that the lists of schools which have such violations can be used by enforcement agencies to take focused action. Such models will help develop effective tobacco control policies in developing countries with large populations where implementation remains a big challenge.

Proceedings of the 2023 Viral Clearance Symposium, Session 2: Viral Clearance Strategy and Case Studies.

This session deals with the rational design of viral clearance studies for biopharmaceuticals including recombinant proteins such as monoclonal antibodies and, as new in scope of the symposium, also viral clearance for adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors. For recombinant proteins, large datasets were accumulated over the last decades and are intended to be used for accelerated product process development and streamlining of viral clearance studies. How to utilize prior knowledge in viral clearance validation and how it can be used in a risk assessment tool to decide whether additional virus clearance studies are necessary during product development is being addressed by three of the presentations of this session. This also includes an a priori intended design and generation of validation data for a new kind of detergent such as CG-110, to build up a platform dataset to be used as prior knowledge in future marketing application. Another presentation investigates the virus removal mechanism of a newly developed hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) resin and demonstrates for highly hydrophobic antibodies appropriate reduction for a retrovirus and impurities in a defined process range in contrast to the moderate to poor virus reduction of recent HIC resins. The last two presentations deal with virus clearance approaches for AAV, which will become mandatory with approval of the ICH Q5A revision. Appropriate virus removal and virus inactivation procedures can be implemented into the manufacturing processes of AAV vectors including viral filtration, viral inactivation (e.g., heat inactivation), affinity chromatography, and anion-exchange chromatography with which it seems possible to achieve a good clearance for helper and also adventitious viruses. The heat treatment step can be even a robust step for adenovirus helper inactivation for AAV products when product characteristics and process conditions are understood.

Tax revenue lost due to illicit cigarettes in South Africa: 2002-2022.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate lost excise and value-added tax (VAT) revenue as a result of illicit cigarette trade from 2002 to 2022. DESIGN: Using gap analysis, we estimated the number of illicit cigarettes by calculating the difference between the number of self-reported cigarettes (derived from nationally representative surveys) and the number of legal (tax-paid) cigarettes (derived from government sources) from 2002 to 2022. We then calculated the excise and VAT revenue that the government lost through illicit trade, taking into account that some people would have quit or reduced their consumption if cigarette prices had been higher (ie, tax paid). SETTING: South Africa. OUTCOME MEASURES: Illicit trade estimates and lost revenue estimates. RESULTS: The illicit cigarette market comprised 5% of the market in 2009, peaked at 60% in 2021, and decreased to 58% in 2022. Accounting for the fact that some people would have reduced their consumption if cigarette prices had been higher (had the illicit marke not existed), the government lost R15 billion in excise revenue and R3 billion in VAT revenue in 2022. From 2002 to 2022, the government lost R119 billion (2022 prices) in excise and VAT revenue. The majority of the lost revenue occurred in the period 2010 to 2022, where R110 billion (2022 prices) in excise and VAT revenue was lost. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis indicates that the estimated lost revenue of R119 billion from 2002 to 2022 falls within the range of R65 billion to R130 billion (all 2022 prices). CONCLUSIONS: The South African government has been losing a significant amount of revenue by not receiving excise and VAT from all cigarettes consumed in South Africa. This trend is likely to continue if the government does not secure the supply chain from the point of production to the point of sale.

National Trends in Sales and Price for Commercial Tobacco and Nicotine Products, 2018-2022.

This cross-sectional study explores recent trends in sales and price of tobacco and nicotine products in the US.

The queen bee phenomenon in Canadian surgical subspecialties: An evaluation of gender biases in the resident training environment.

BACKGROUND: The queen bee phenomenon (QBP) describes the behavioural response that occurs when women achieve success in a male-dominated environment, and in this position of authority, treat their female subordinates more critically. It has been demonstrated in business, academia, the military, and police force. The goal of this study was to determine whether the QBP occurs in surgical specialties. We hypothesized that female surgeons, fellows, and senior surgical residents would be more critical in their assessment of junior female residents than their male counterparts. METHODS: A scenario-based survey was distributed via email to all Canadian surgical programs between February and March 2021. Scenarios were designed to assess either female or male learners. Centers distributed surveys to attending surgeons, surgical fellows, resident physicians, and affiliate surgeons. Respondents average Likert score for female-based and male-based questions were calculated. Subgroup analyses were performed based on gender, age, seniority, and surgical specialty. RESULTS: 716 survey responses were collected, with 387 respondents identifying as male (54%) and 321 identifying as female (45%). 385 attending surgeons (54%), 66 fellows (9%), and 263 residents (37%) responded. The mean Likert scores for female respondents assessing female learners was significantly lower than male learners (p = 0·008, CI = 95%). During subgroup analysis, some specialties demonstrated significant scoring differences. DISCUSSION: The QBP was shown to be present among surgical specialties. Female respondents assessed female learners more critically than their male counterparts. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the importance of tackling organizational biases to create more equitable educational and work environment in surgery.

Derived psychoactive cannabis products and 4/20 specials: An assessment of popular brands and retail price discounts in Fort Worth, Texas, 2023.

BACKGROUND: Retail sales of derived psychoactive cannabis products (DPCPs) have increased in the U.S. since passing the 2018 Farm Bill and is unregulated in most states. This study investigated the types and commonly sold brands of DPCPs as well as promotional pricing on April 20th, a day associated with cannabis use. METHODS: On April 19-20, 2023, investigators conducted telephone surveys with 98 retail stores that sold DPCPs in Fort Worth, Texas (where the market was largely unregulated). RESULTS: Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10 THC products were widely available, with 97%, 72%, and 82% of stores selling each type, respectively. Fifteen additional DPCPs were identified, and selling blends containing multiple types of THC was common. Frequently sold brands included Cake, Medusa/Modus, Torch, Urb, Kik, Tyson, 3Chi, Casper, Hidden Hills, Esco Bars, Happi, Hometown Hero, STNR, Bomb Bars, Baked, Hi On Nature, Looper, and Space God. Overall, 45% reported having 4/20 specials discounting prices on DPCPs, smoking devices/accessories, or everything in the store. Several stores also sponsored 4/20 promotional events including free THC gummies and "live delta demos where people can test cartridges and try smoking flower in the store." CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight the growing complexity of the DPCP market, including numerous different intoxicating compounds and blends. Policymakers, researchers, and public health professionals should consider these complexities, as well as the commonly sold brands, when developing strategies to regulate DPCPs and protect consumer safety. Pricing policies may be an especially important form of harm reduction during events associated with heavy cannabis use, including 4/20.

Global trade-driven transfer of atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon emissions and associated human inhalation exposure risk.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are of significant public concern because of their toxicity and long-range transport potential. Extensive studies have been conducted to explore the source-receptor relationships of PAHs via atmospheric transport. However, the transfer of trade-driven regional and global PAHs is poorly understood. This study estimated the virtual PAHs emission transfer embodied in global trade from 2004 to 2014 and simulated the impact of international trade on global contamination and associated human inhalation exposure risk of PAHs. Results show that trade-driven PAHs flowed primarily from developed to less-developed regions, particularly in those regions with intensive heavy industries and transportation. As the result, international trade resulted in an increasing risk of lung cancer induced by exposure to PAHs (27.8% in China, 14.7% in India, and 11.3% in Southeast Asia). In contrast, we found decreasing risks of PAHs-induced lung cancer in Western Europe (63.2%) and the United States (45.9%) in 2004. Our findings indicate that final demand and emission intensity are the key driving factors contributing to rising and falling consumption-based PAHs emissions and related health risk respectively. The results could provide a useful reference for global collaboration in the reduction of PAHs pollution and related health risks.

Using Exogenous Social Media Exposure Measures to Assess the Effects of Smokeless Tobacco-Related Social Media Content on Smokeless Tobacco Sales in the United States.

INTRODUCTION: Prior research on the effects of social media promotion of tobacco products has predominantly relied on survey-based self-report measures of marketing exposure, which potentially introduce endogeneity, recall, and selection biases. New approaches can enhance measurement and help better understand the effects of exposure to tobacco-related messages in a dynamic social media marketing environment. We used geolocation-specific tweet rate as an exogenous indicator of exposure to smokeless tobacco (ST)-related content and employed this measure to examine the influence of social media marketing on ST sales. AIMS AND METHODS: Autoregressive error models were used to analyze the association between the ST-relevant tweet rate (aggregated by 4-week period from February 12, 2017 to June 26, 2021 and scaled by population density) and logarithmic ST unit sales across time by product type (newer, snus, conventional) in the United States, accounting for autocorrelated errors. Interrupted time series approach was used to control for policy change effects. RESULTS: ST product category-related tweet rates were associated with ST unit sales of newer and conventional products, controlling for price, relevant policy events, and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. On average, 100-unit increase in the number of newer ST-related tweets was associated with 14% increase in unit sales (RR = 1.14; p = .01); 100-unit increase in conventional ST tweets was associated with ~1% increase in unit sales (p = .04). Average price was negatively associated with the unit sales. CONCLUSIONS: Study findings reveal that ST social media tweet rate was related to increased ST consumption and illustrate the utility of exogenous measures in conceptualizing and assessing effects in the complex media environment. IMPLICATIONS: Tobacco control initiatives should include efforts to monitor the role of social media in promoting tobacco use. Surveillance of social media platforms is critical to monitor emerging tobacco product-related marketing strategies and promotional content reach. Exogenous measures of potential exposure to social media messages can supplement survey data to study media effects on tobacco consumption.

Cigarette excise tax structure and cigarette prices in nine sub-Saharan African countries: evidence from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey.

BACKGROUND: Economic theory predicts that the excise tax structure influences the distribution of cigarette prices. Evidence shows that uniform specific excise tax structures exhibit the least price variability relative to other tax structures. The distribution of cigarette prices under different excise tax structures has never been examined for a group of African countries. OBJECTIVES: To examine the distribution of cigarette prices under different tax structures in nine African countries and to critically evaluate the effectiveness of African regional tax directives in promoting public health. METHODS: Data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey, conducted in eight African countries during 2012-2018, and data from the 2017 Gambia Tobacco Survey were used to construct survey-derived cigarette prices. The coefficients of variation and skewness of the price distribution were compared in the context of each country's cigarette excise tax structure. RESULTS: The least price variability is found in countries with a uniform specific tax, or a mixed system with a minimum specific floor. Cigarette price variability is largest in countries with uniform ad valorem tax structures. Three of the four countries with ad valorem tax structures are in regional blocs, where the tax directives specify that they should implement an ad valorem structure. CONCLUSIONS: Regional tax directives that require the adoption of uniform specific excise taxes, or high minimum specific floors, could be an efficient way to get multiple African countries to adopt a tax structure that reduces substitution possibilities in response to excise tax increases.

Estimating the effects of tobacco-21 on youth tobacco use and sales.

We examine the effect of raising the minimum legal sale age of tobacco to 21 (i.e., "T21"). We estimate difference-in-differences models using the Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey data and Nielsen Retail Scanner data from 2012 to 2019. Outcomes include cigarette and e-cigarette use and sales. We find sizable reductions in e-cigarette and cigarette use for 12th graders. T21 also reduced cigarette sales by 12.4 % and e-cigarette sales by 69.3 % in counties with the highest percent quartile of individuals under 21 years of age. In terms of mechanisms, we find that T21 increases ID checking and perceived risks of using both products.

Antibody-Drug Conjugate Overview: a State-of-the-art Manufacturing Process and Control Strategy.

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) comprise an antibody, linker, and drug, which direct their highly potent small molecule drugs to target tumor cells via specific binding between the antibody and surface antigens. The antibody, linker, and drug should be properly designed or selected to achieve the desired efficacy while minimizing off-target toxicity. With a unique and complex structure, there is inherent heterogeneity introduced by product-related variations and the manufacturing process. Here this review primarily covers recent key advances in ADC history, clinical development status, molecule design, manufacturing processes, and quality control. The manufacturing process, especially the conjugation process, should be carefully developed, characterized, validated, and controlled throughout its lifecycle. Quality control is another key element to ensure product quality and patient safety. A patient-centric strategy has been well recognized and adopted by the pharmaceutical industry for therapeutic proteins, and has been successfully implemented for ADCs as well, to ensure that ADC products maintain their quality until the end of their shelf life. Deep product understanding and process knowledge defines attribute testing strategies (ATS). Quality by design (QbD) is a powerful approach for process and product development, and for defining an overall control strategy. Finally, we summarize the current challenges on ADC development and provide some perspectives that may help to give related directions and trigger more cross-functional research to surmount those challenges.

Understanding Whether Price Tag Messaging Can Amplify the Benefits of Taxes: An Online Experiment.

INTRODUCTION: Excise taxes on unhealthy products like sugary drinks and tobacco can reduce purchases of these products. However, little research has investigated whether messages at the point of purchase, such as enhanced price tags, can increase the effects of taxes by heightening psychological reactions. This study aimed to examine whether including messages about taxes on price tags could amplify the benefits of excise taxes on unhealthy products. METHODS: In 2022, an online study recruited 1,013 U.S. parents to view seven price tag messages (e.g., "includes a 19% sugary drink tax") and a control (i.e., standard price tag with the tax included in the price) displayed in random order alongside sugary drinks. Participants were randomly assigned to view a caution-symbol icon or no icon on price tags. Analyses were conducted in 2023. RESULTS: All seven messages discouraged parents from buying sugary drinks for their children compared to control (average differential effects [ADEs] ranged from 0.28 to 0.48, all p<0.001). All messages led to greater attention to the price tag (ADEs ranged from 0.24 to 0.41, all p<0.001) and greater consideration of the cost of sugary drinks (ADEs ranged from 0.31 to 0.50, all p<0.001). Icons elicited higher cost consideration than text-only price tags (ADE=0.15, p<0.010), but not discouragement (p=0.061) or attention (p=0.079). CONCLUSIONS: Messaging on price tags could make excise taxes more effective. Policymakers should consider requiring messaging on price tags when implementing taxes.

The effect of a minimum price per unit of alcohol in Scotland on alcohol-related ambulance call-outs: A controlled interrupted time-series analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: On 1 May 2018, Scotland introduced a minimum unit price (MUP) of £0.50 for alcohol, with one UK unit of alcohol being 10 ml of pure ethanol. This study measured the association between MUP and changes in the volume of alcohol-related ambulance call-outs in the overall population and in call-outs subsets (night-time call-outs and subpopulations with higher incidence of alcohol-related harm). DESIGN: An interrupted time-series (ITS) was used to measure variations in the daily volume of alcohol-related call-outs. We performed uncontrolled ITS on both the intervention and control group and a controlled ITS built on the difference between the two series. Data were from electronic patient clinical records from the Scottish Ambulance Service. SETTING AND CASES: Alcohol-related ambulance call-outs (intervention group) and total ambulance call-outs for people aged under 13 years (control group) in Scotland, from December 2017 to March 2020. MEASUREMENTS: Call-outs were deemed alcohol-related if ambulance clinicians indicated that alcohol was a 'contributing factor' in the call-out and/or a validated Scottish Ambulance Service algorithm determined that the call-out was alcohol-related. FINDINGS: No statistically significant association in the volume of call-outs was found in both the uncontrolled series [step change = 0.062, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.012, 0.0135 P = 0.091; slope change = -0.001, 95% CI = -0.001, 0.1 × 10-3 P = 0.139] and controlled series (step change = -0.01, 95% CI = -0.317, 0.298 P = 0.951; slope change = -0.003, 95% CI = -0.008, 0.002 P = 0.257). Similarly, no significant changes were found for the night-time series or for any population subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be no statistically significant association between the introduction of minimum unit pricing for alcohol in Scotland and the volume of alcohol-related ambulance call-outs. This was observed overall, across subpopulations and at night-time.

The hidden linkage of corporate efficiency and green innovation with human resource management practices: a newly perspective from China.

It is disappointing that despite having access to human resources at very little cost, rising countries' administrations are so ineffective. It is often believed that an organization's unheralded employees hold the keys to its success or failure. A person's mood and demeanor may be influenced by a variety of factors. Human resource management (HRM) methods have been created and used by scientists all over the globe in an effort to maximize the potential of their most important asset. Eco-friendly inventions are crucial to the survival of humanity and the prosperity of enterprises throughout the world. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to look at how green innovation affects both the environment and businesses. Green process metrics and green product metrics, for example, may have an impact on green innovation, which is why these metrics are important to track. The second primary goal of this research is to learn how the commitment and HR practices of top management shape the link between green innovation and economic and environmental success. A self-reported poll was taken by 370 employees in China's manufacturing industry. A partial least square structural equation modelling was used to examine the data collected between April 2021 and February 2022. This research employed confirmatory component analysis, a standard technique of structural equation modelling (SEM) for examining both overt and covert variables and indicators, to assess the reflecting indicators measurement model. The findings suggest that HRM has an effect on green innovation that is both positive and statistically significant. The environment and the economy benefit greatly from green innovations. Relationships between HRM and green innovation have no unfavorable implications on business results or the environment. However, human resource management has the potential to boost organizations' prosocial impact. In a three-way interaction (moderated moderation) model, organizational success is found to have a significant role, whereas environmental and organizational success play just a little one. To improve economic and environmental outcomes across all sectors, this study adds to the existing body of knowledge and argues for the wider implementation of green innovation practices. Human resource managers play a crucial role in developing a company's culture and values. The findings suggest that with leadership's blessing, green technologies may spread across a company.

Addressing tobacco industry influence in tobacco-growing countries.

Protecting policy-making from tobacco industry influence is central to effective tobacco control governance. The inclusion of industry actors as stakeholders in policy processes remains a crucial avenue to corporate influence. This influence is reinforced by the idea that the tobacco industry is a legitimate partner to government in regulatory governance. Addressing the influence of the tobacco industry demands a focus on the government institutions that formalize relationships between industry and policy-makers. Industry involvement in government institutions is particularly relevant in tobacco-growing countries, where sectors of government actively support tobacco as an economic commodity. In this paper, we discuss how controlling tobacco industry influence requires unique consideration in tobacco-growing countries. In these countries, there is a diverse array of companies that support tobacco production, including suppliers of seeds, equipment and chemicals, as well as transportation, leaf buying and processing, and manufacturing companies. The range of companies that operate in these contexts is particular and so is their engagement within political institutions. For governments wanting to support alternatives to tobacco growing (Article 17 of the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control), we illustrate how implementing Article 5.3, aimed at protecting tobacco control policies from tobacco industry interference, is fundamental in these countries. Integrating Article 5.3 with Article 17 will (i) strengthen policy coherence, ensuring that alternative livelihood policies are not undermined by tobacco industry interference; (ii) foster cross-sector collaboration addressing both tobacco industry interference and livelihood development; and (iii) enhance accountability and transparency in tobacco control efforts.

Éviter que l'élaboration de politiques soit influencée par l'industrie du tabac est essentiel pour assurer une gestion efficace de la lutte antitabac. L'inclusion d'acteurs de l'industrie comme parties prenantes des processus législatifs demeure l'un des principaux leviers employés par les sociétés. Cette influence est renforcée par l'idée que l'industrie du tabac constitue un partenaire légitime du gouvernement dans le domaine de la gouvernance réglementaire. Pour lutter contre l'ingérence du secteur, il faut se concentrer sur les institutions gouvernementales qui officialisent les relations entre l'industrie et les responsables politiques. L'implication de l'industrie dans les institutions publiques est surtout observée dans les pays producteurs de tabac, où certains niveaux de gouvernement soutiennent activement le tabac en tant que bien économique. Dans le présent document, nous abordons le fait qu'une lutte contre l'influence de l'industrie du tabac requiert une attention particulière dans les pays producteurs, où un large éventail d'entreprises encouragent la production de tabac: approvisionnement en semences, équipements et produits chimiques, mais aussi transport, achat des feuilles, transformation et fabrication. La variété des entreprises œuvrant dans de tels contextes est spécifique, tout comme leur engagement au sein des organes politiques. Pour les gouvernements qui souhaitent privilégier les alternatives à la production de tabac (selon l'article 17 de la Convention-cadre pour la lutte antitabac), nous montrons à quel point l'application de l'article 5.3, qui vise à protéger les politiques de lutte antitabac contre l'ingérence de l'industrie, est fondamentale dans ces pays. Intégrer l'article 5.3 dans l'article 17 permettra (i) de renforcer la cohérence des politiques en vigueur, afin que les politiques relatives à des activités de remplacement ne soient pas contrecarrées par l'industrie du tabac; (ii) de favoriser la collaboration entre les secteurs pour lutter contre l'influence de l'industrie tout en développant des moyens de subsistance; et enfin, (iii) d'accroître la responsabilisation et la transparence dans les efforts menés dans la lutte antitabac.

Proteger la formulación de políticas contra la influencia de la industria tabacalera es fundamental para una gobernanza eficaz del control del tabaco. La inclusión de los actores de la industria como partes interesadas en los procesos políticos sigue siendo una vía crucial para la influencia corporativa. Esta influencia se ve reforzada por la idea de que la industria tabacalera es un asociado legítimo del gobierno en la gobernanza reglamentaria. La lucha contra la influencia de la industria tabacalera exige centrarse en las instituciones gubernamentales que formalizan las relaciones entre la industria y los responsables de formular políticas. La participación de la industria en las instituciones gubernamentales es especialmente relevante en los países productores de tabaco, donde algunos sectores del gobierno apoyan activamente el tabaco como un bien económico. En este documento, se analiza cómo el control de la influencia de la industria tabacalera requiere una consideración especial en los países productores de tabaco. En estos países, existe una gran variedad de empresas que apoyan la producción de tabaco, incluidos los proveedores de semillas, equipos y productos químicos, así como las empresas de transporte, de compra de hojas y de procesamiento y fabricación. La variedad de empresas que operan en estos contextos es particular y también lo es su compromiso dentro de las instituciones políticas. Para los gobiernos que desean apoyar alternativas al cultivo de tabaco (es decir, el artículo 17 del Convenio Marco para el Control del Tabaco), se ilustra cómo la aplicación del artículo 5.3, destinado a proteger las políticas de control del tabaco de la interferencia del tabaco, es fundamental en estos países. La integración del artículo 5.3 con el artículo 17 (i) reforzará la coherencia política, asegurando que las políticas de medios de vida alternativos no se vean perjudicadas por la interferencia de la industria tabacalera; (ii) fomentará la colaboración intersectorial al abordar tanto la interferencia de la industria tabacalera como el desarrollo de los medios de vida; y (iii) mejorará la rendición de cuentas y la transparencia en los esfuerzos de control del tabaco.

Vape stores in Western Australia: growth, proximity to schools and socio-economic gradient of density.

OBJECTIVE: To audit the number and location of dedicated e-cigarette retailers ("vape stores") in Western Australian (WA), measure proximity to schools and model the association between vape store density and socio-economic disadvantage. METHODS: Vape stores were identified via internet search and geocoded. Proximity to schools was measured. Regression modelling was used to investigate the association between vape store density and socio-economic disadvantage. RESULTS: 194 stores were identified, with 88% located within one kilometre of a school. In metropolitan WA, vape store density was nearly seven times higher in the most socio-economically disadvantaged areas than in the least disadvantaged areas (rate ratio 6.9, 95% confidence interval 3.4-15.5). CONCLUSIONS: There has been rapid, recent growth in the number of vape stores in WA, with most located within walking distance of schools. In metropolitan WA, vape store density is strongly associated with socio-economic disadvantage, mirroring the pattern observed globally for tobacco outlets. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH: This is the first Australian study demonstrating that vape stores are more densely located in socio-economically disadvantaged areas. Vape stores' proximity to schools may increase young people's access and exposure to promotional signage. There is a need to address ready e-cigarette availability through strong regulatory and compliance measures.

A longitudinal analysis of the impact of the local tobacco retail availability and neighbourhood deprivation on male smoking behaviours in Shanghai, China.

Some evidence from Western high-income countries suggests local tobacco retail availability and neighbourhood deprivation may influence smoking behaviours. However, this assertion has not been considered in China, where 44% of males continue to smoke. Data were analysed from Chinese males (n = 2054) who participated in Waves 3-5 (2009-2015) of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) China Survey by linking information on tobacco retail availability (estimated through population weighted Kernel Density of tobacco retailers in 2019) and neighbourhood deprivation (calculated as a composite score derived from the 2010 Chinese census) across Shanghai. Generalised Estimating Equation models were fitted to examine the impacts of local tobacco availability and neighbourhood deprivation on smoking behaviours (current smoking versus current non-smoking, quitting versus current smoking, longer durations of smoking abstinence versus current smoking) using the longitudinal data. Examining the impacts separately, participants living in neighbourhoods with greater availability and higher levels of deprivation were less likely to maintain longer durations of smoking abstinence in both unadjusted and adjusted models. Neighbourhood deprivation, but not availability, was found to be associated with higher odds of being a current smoker. Examining the impacts jointly, neighbourhood deprivation was still positively associated with current smoking and negatively associated with longer durations of smoking abstinence, but the negative association between availability and longer durations of smoking abstinence disappeared. The findings offer some evidence that greater tobacco retail availability and deprivation are obstacles on prolonged smoking cessation among males in Shanghai, China. Policymakers should consider small-area level place-based restrictions in China, such as reducing the availability of tobacco, as part of a comprehensive tobacco control strategy aimed at addressing the high prevalence of smoking.