Price minimizing behaviours by smokers in Europe (2006-20): evidence from the International Tobacco Control Project.
Eur J Public Health
; 32(6): 905-912, 2022 11 29.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-36215655
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Effectiveness of tobacco taxation can be undermined through smokers applying price-minimizing behaviours rather than quitting or reducing consumption. Common price-minimizing strategies are buying cheaper tobacco [discount brands or roll-your-own (RYO) tobacco], bulk buying and cross-border purchasing. This study analyses trends in and factors associated with such behaviours in four European countries from 2006 to 2020.METHODS:
Data came from adult smokers participating in the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Surveys conducted between 2006 and 2020 in England (9 waves, n = 768-4149), France (4 waves, n = 1415-1735), Germany (5 waves, n = 513-1515) and the Netherlands (10 waves, n = 1191-2177). Country-specific generalized estimating equation regression models were fit to assess trends in smoking RYO tobacco, discount brands, bulk buying and cross-border purchasing within the European Union.RESULTS:
Buying discount brands or RYO tobacco was the most common strategy in all countries, except France. Except for buying discount brands, estimates of price-minimizing behaviours were highest in France (2019 RYO = 27.2%, discount brands = 17.3%, bulk buying = 34.1%, cross-border purchasing = 34.2%), and lowest in Germany (2018 RYO = 18.6%, discount brands = 43.7%, bulk buying = 8.0%, cross-border purchasing = 9.8%). Direction and magnitude of trends differed by country, and behaviour. Young smokers were less likely to buy in bulk. Low-income and low-education smokers were more likely to purchase RYO tobacco or discount brands. The association with discount brands was not found for French low-income smokers.CONCLUSIONS:
Smoking cheaper tobacco is the most prevalent price-minimizing strategy in three countries (England, Germany and Netherlands), and more prevalent among low-income individuals. Harmonizing prices across products and countries would reduce switching to cheaper tobacco.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Tobacco Products
/
Smokers
Type of study:
Health_economic_evaluation
/
Prognostic_studies
Aspects:
Equity_inequality
Limits:
Adult
/
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
En
Journal:
Eur J Public Health
Journal subject:
EPIDEMIOLOGIA
/
SAUDE PUBLICA
Year:
2022
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Netherlands