scholarly journals The impact of the point-of-sale tobacco display ban on young people in Scotland: before-and-after study

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sally Haw ◽  
Dorothy Currie ◽  
Douglas Eadie ◽  
Jamie Pearce ◽  
Andy MacGregor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Smoking Initiation ◽  
Public Health Research ◽  
Tobacco Product ◽  
Point Of Sale ◽  
Retail Outlets ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Smoking Susceptibility ◽  
Smoking Attitudes

Background Tobacco displays at point of sale have been shown to increase young people’s pro-smoking attitudes, susceptibility to smoking and smoking initiation. In Scotland, legislation that prohibited tobacco point-of-sale displays was implemented in large stores (i.e. those > 280 m2) in April 2013 and in small retailers in April 2015. Objective To assess the impact of the point-of-sale tobacco display ban on young people’s exposure to tobacco advertising, their attitudes to smoking and smoking susceptibility, and their risk of smoking initiation. Design Multimodal before-and-after study design using mixed methods to collect data at baseline (2013) and then longitudinally for 4 years. Setting Four main study communities in the central belt of mainland Scotland, UK, purposively selected to reflect two levels of urbanity (urban vs. small town) and two levels of deprivation (high vs. medium/low). Four matched communities. Participants In the main study communities, 94 tobacco retail outlets. All Secondary 2 (aged 13 years) and Secondary 4 (aged 15 years) pupils in 2013 and 2014 together with all Secondary 1 to Secondary 6 (aged 12–17 years) pupils in 2015–17. This included 6612 pupils who completed 14,344 questionnaires over 5 years. Three hundred and eighty-two participants in 80 focus groups who were recruited from Secondary 2 and Secondary 4 in 2013–17. In matched communities, 24 retail panel members in 2013–17. Main outcome measures Tobacco product and tobacco storage visibility, density of retail outlets (the number of retailers in a pre-defined area such as a residential neighbourhood), tobacco product exposure, brand awareness, perceived accessibility of tobacco, pro-smoking attitudes, pro-smoking norms, smoking susceptibility and smoking initiation. Data platform and methods The study had four components – a mapping and spatial analysis of retail outlets; a tobacco marketing audit, including retail panel interviews in matched communities; school surveys; and focus group discussions with secondary school pupils. Limitations The study was based on a small number of communities and did not include communities in remote areas. Results Compliance with the point-of-sale legislation in Scotland was high. This led to a large reduction in the visibility of tobacco products in retail outlets. However, when the results were stratified by socioeconomic status, declines in retailer density, weighted by total product visibility, were restricted to the least disadvantaged tertile of participants. Nevertheless, the implementation of the legislation was associated with a reduction in risk of both smoking susceptibility and smoking initiation in young people, as well as a reduction in the perceived accessibility of tobacco and in pro-smoking attitudes after both the partial and the comprehensive bans were introduced. Conclusions The Scottish point-of-sale legislation has been successful in reducing the overall visibility of tobacco products and is associated with improvements in attitudinal and behavioural outcomes in young people. However, cues that tobacco is for sale are still highly visible, particularly in retail outlets in areas of deprivation. In addition, the increase in retailer density that was observed after 2015 increased inequalities in product visibility. There was also evidence that the emergence of e-cigarettes may have disrupted the full impact of the legislation. Future work Our research indicates that further research is needed to examine the longitudinal relationships between tobacco outlet availability and product visibility inequalities; and the impact of e-cigarettes and standardised packaging on smoking initiation and prevalence. Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme and will be published in full in Public Health Research; Vol. 8, No. 1. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

scholarly journals Impact of tobacco tax increases and industry pricing on smoking behaviours and inequalities: a mixed-methods study

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 1-140
Author(s):  
Timea R Partos ◽  
Rosemary Hiscock ◽  
Anna B Gilmore ◽  
J Robert Branston ◽  
Sara Hitchman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Tobacco Industry ◽  
Control Policy ◽  
Public Health Research ◽  
Pricing Strategies ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Tax Changes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Evaluation Project

Background Increasing tobacco prices through taxation is very effective for reducing smoking prevalence and inequalities. For optimum effect, understanding how the tobacco industry and smokers respond is essential. Tobacco taxation changes occurred in the UK over the study period, including annual increases, a shift in structure from ad valorem to specific taxation and relatively higher increases on roll-your-own tobacco than on factory-made cigarettes. Objectives Understanding tobacco industry pricing strategies in response to tax changes and the impact of tax on smokers’ behaviour, including tax evasion and avoidance, as well as the effect on smoking inequalities. Synthesising findings to inform how taxation can be improved as a public health intervention. Design Qualitative analysis and evidence synthesis (commercial and Nielsen data) and longitudinal and aggregate cross-sectional analyses (International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project data). Setting The UK, from 2002 to 2016. Data sources and participants Data were from the tobacco industry commercial literature and retail tobacco sales data (Nielsen, New York, NY, USA). Participants were a longitudinal cohort (with replenishment) of smokers and ex-smokers from 10 surveys of the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project (around 1500 participants per survey). Main outcome measures (1) Tobacco industry pricing strategies, (2) sales volumes and prices by segments over time and (3) smokers’ behaviours, including products purchased, sources, brands, consumption, quit attempts, success and sociodemographic differences. Review methods Tobacco industry commercial literature was searched for mentions of tobacco products and price segments, with 517 articles extracted. Results The tobacco industry increased prices on top of tax increases (overshifting), particularly on premium products, and, recently, the tobacco industry overshifted more on cheap roll-your-own tobacco than on factory-made cigarettes. Increasingly, price rises were from industry revenue generation rather than tax. The tobacco industry raised prices gradually to soften impact; this was less possible with larger tax increases. Budget measures to reduce cheap product availability failed due to new cheap factory-made products, price marking and small packs. In 2014, smokers could buy factory-made (roll-your-own tobacco) cigarettes at real prices similar to 2002. Exclusive roll-your-own tobacco and mixed factory-made cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco use increased, whereas exclusive factory-made cigarette use decreased, alongside increased cheap product use, rather than quitting. Quitting behaviours were associated with higher taxes. Smokers consumed fewer factory-made cigarettes and reduced roll-your-own tobacco weight over time. Apparent illicit purchasing did not increase. Disadvantaged and dependent smokers struggled with tobacco affordability and were more likely to smoke cheaper products, but disadvantage did not affect quit success. Limitations Different for each data set; triangulation increased confidence. Conclusions The tobacco industry overshifted taxes and increased revenues, even when tax increases were high. Therefore, tobacco taxes can be further increased to reduce price differentials and recoup public health costs. Government strategies on illicit tobacco appear effective. Large, sudden tax increases would reduce the industry’s ability to manipulate prices, decrease affordability and increase quitting behaviours. More disadvantaged, and dependent, smokers need more help with quitting. Future work Assessing the impact of tax changes made since 2014; changing how tax changes are introduced (e.g. sudden intermittent or smaller continuous); and tax changes on tobacco initiation. Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme and will be published in full in Public Health Research; Vol. 8, No. 6. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

scholarly journals How Influences on Teenage Smoking Reflect Gender and Society in Mali, West Africa

2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Anna Kirk
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
West Africa ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Smoking Initiation ◽  
Capital City ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Generic Qualitative ◽  
Gender And Society ◽  
The Impact

Objectives To provide further understanding and discussion on the influences on smoking in young people in Mali. Design A generic qualitative methodological approach was used following Caelli's generic principles. Six focus group discussions were conducted with a total of 31 participants followed by two semi-structured interviews. A reflexive account was kept to record development in the researcher's theoretical position Setting The setting was recreational areas of Bamako, capital city of Mali, West Africa. Participants Participants aged 13–15 years were recruited opportunistically in a recreational area of Bamako. Mainoutcome measures To develop further understanding of the influences of teenage smoking in Mali, West Africa. Results Five main categories that explained influences on youth smoking emerged: knowledge and awareness of smoking; associations with smoking; influential people; key messages in Malian society; and access to tobacco. The results showed that influences were complex and interwoven, notable gender differences were revealed, and the role of elder members of the community proved decisive in participants’ smoking experiences. Participants described vague knowledge of the impact on health of smoking and reported trying smoking from an early age. Often contact with smoking was through elders and being sent to buy and sometimes light cigarettes for them. Associations with smoking were influenced by gender with smoking more desirable for boys than girls. Conclusions Any approach to preventing smoking initiation in young people requires an understanding of the social influences and pressures on young people. A tobacco control strategy is required to look at all areas of influence on smoking behaviours. Different needs should also account for the differing characteristics and perceptions of specific population groups.

scholarly journals Susceptibility to smoking and associated factors among the youth in central and eastern European countries. 

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kinga Polanska ◽  
Malgorzata Znyk ◽  
Dorota Kaleta
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Young People ◽  
Passive Smoking ◽  
Smoking Initiation ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Eastern European ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Susceptibility To Smoking ◽  
Eastern European Countries ◽  
Smoking Susceptibility

Abstract Background Tobacco use among young people still remains a major public health problem. The aim of this study was to examine the association between a variety of factors and susceptibility to smoking initiation and experimentation among the youth from central and eastern European countries. Methods The data used in the current analysis, focusing on current non-smokers, is available from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey, which was performed in five countries (the Czech Republic (2016), n = 3191; Slovakia (2016), n = 3178; Slovenia (2017), n = 2255; Romania (2017), n = 4681; Lithuania (2018), n = 2260). Results Among the never smokers, nearly a quarter of the students were susceptible to smoking in 4 of 5 countries (16% of those susceptible to smoking were identified in Romania). Moreover, 60% of the students in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Slovenia, and about 50% of the students in Lithuania and Romania were found to be vulnerable to smoking experimentation (an analysis among ever smokers). The multiple regression models provided results that are consistent among all the examined countries, with the following factors identified as significant correlates of smoking initiation and experimentation: being girls, having more money available for own expenses, experiencing exposure to passive smoking in public places, as well as indicating peer smoking. Moreover, adolescents who have declared lack of antismoking education and knowledge on harmful effects of passive smoking, those who saw people using tobacco on TV, in videos or in movies as well as advertising of tobacco products at point of sales were susceptible to smoking. Finally, the students who shared an opinion that smoking helped people feel more comfortable at celebrations, parties or in other social gatherings were at higher risk of smoking susceptibility. Conclusions A high proportion of the youth from central and eastern European countries is susceptible to smoking. Personal and social factors and those related to educational and policy issues were strongly and consistently correlated with smoking susceptibility. These factors should be considered when designing and implementing anti-smoking activities among young people.

scholarly journals From deliberative dialogue to impact: envisioning kmowledge translation

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
O Hobden ◽  
R A J Borst ◽  
A Al-Metleq ◽  
M O Kok
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Research Impact ◽  
Public Health Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Research Knowledge ◽  
Deliberative Dialogue ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Scenario Approach

Abstract Background The previous decades of research have contributed tremendously to the improvement of health. Nonetheless, problems remain regarding the use and relevance of public health research. Knowledge translation methods, such as deliberative dialogues, are believed to increase the use and relevance of such research. However, little is known about how they increase the impact of public health research. This study sought to trace the impact of deliberative dialogues through an actor-scenario approach. Actor-scenario mapping asks key actors to describe how and by whom research findings may potentially be used. This allows for constructing more concrete action plans. Methods This study used a qualitative case-study design with semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and a survey. The study focused on a Jordanian deliberative dialogue organised in April 2019. Interviews were conducted with 15 key stakeholders before and after the dialogue. Observations and surveys were collected during the dialogue. An abductive approach to thematic analysis was used to arrive at key themes for the report. Results The results show that dialogue participants found it difficult to propose concrete scenarios for action. They described that the sensitive nature of some research topics impairs action. Additionally, participants proposed that research funding should be earmarked for concrete actions. Overall, their scenarios proposed that high-level decision makers maintain involved in the knowledge to action process. Some participants mentioned that the articulation of scenarios for action contributes to research impact, since researchers usually do not engage with potential users. Conclusions Actor-scenario mapping is an innovative way of understanding how deliberative dialogues increase the impact of public health research. This scenario approach can inform the organisation of deliberative dialogues by actors such as EVIPNet. Key messages Actor-scenario mapping can trace the impact of deliberative dialogues. The scenario approach can better align the dialogues with policy and practice.

scholarly journals Social Media as a Tool to Increase the Impact of Public Health Research

2017 ◽  
Vol 107 (12) ◽  
pp. 1890-1891 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Y. Breland ◽  
Lisa M. Quintiliani ◽  
Kristin L. Schneider ◽  
Christine N. May ◽  
Sherry Pagoto
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Public Health Research ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Impact of the WHO FCTC over the first decade: a global evidence review prepared for the Impact Assessment Expert Group

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (Suppl 2) ◽  
pp. s119-s128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet Chung-Hall ◽  
Lorraine Craig ◽  
Shannon Gravely ◽  
Natalie Sansone ◽  
Geoffrey T Fong
Keyword(s):  
Tobacco Control ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Smoking Initiation ◽  
Tobacco Consumption ◽  
Tobacco Product ◽  
Health Warnings ◽  
Hand Search ◽  
Tobacco Epidemic ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveTo present findings of a narrative review on the implementation and effectiveness of 17 Articles of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) during the Treaty’s first decade.Data sourcesPublished reports on global FCTC implementation; searches of four databases through June 2016; hand-search of publications/online resources; tobacco control experts.Study selectionWHO Convention Secretariat global progress reports (2010, 2012, 2014); 2015 WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic; studies of social, behavioural, health, economic and/or environmental impacts of FCTC policies.Data extractionProgress in the implementation of 17 FCTC Articles was categorised (higher/intermediate/lower) by consensus. 128 studies were independently selected by multiple authors in consultation with experts.Data synthesisImplementation was highest for smoke-free laws, health warnings and education campaigns, youth access laws, and reporting/information exchange, and lowest for measures to counter industry interference, regulate tobacco product contents, promote alternative livelihoods and protect health/environment. Price/tax increases, comprehensive smoking and marketing bans, health warnings, and cessation treatment are associated with decreased tobacco consumption/health risks and increased quitting. Mass media campaigns and youth access laws prevent smoking initiation, decrease prevalence and promote cessation. There were few studies on the effectiveness of policies in several domains, including measures to prevent industry interference and regulate tobacco product contents.ConclusionsThe FCTC has increased the implementation of measures across several policy domains, and these implementations have resulted in measurable impacts on tobacco consumption, prevalence and other outcomes. However, FCTC implementation must be accelerated, and Parties need to meet all their Treaty obligations and consider measures that exceed minimum requirements.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Determinants of Susceptibility to Tobacco Smoking Among Students in The Gambia

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (8) ◽  
pp. 1113-1121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isatou K Jallow ◽  
John Britton ◽  
Tessa Langley
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Young People ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
The Gambia ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tobacco Advertising ◽  
Point Of Sale ◽  
Susceptibility To Smoking ◽  
Smoking Susceptibility ◽  
Harmful Effects

AbstractIntroductionSmoking is the biggest preventable cause of death and kills about seven million people annually. As smoking prevalence is falling in developed countries, tobacco businesses are turning to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to generate new tobacco markets. To prevent young people from initiating smoking and becoming regular smokers, it is important to understand the causes of susceptibility to smoking. In this study, we report a nationwide survey of the prevalence and risk factors of smoking susceptibility among students aged 12–20 years in The Gambia.MethodsWe used two-stage cluster random sampling to select students in secondary schools throughout The Gambia and questionnaire to collect data on demographic characteristics and indicators on susceptibility to initiating smoking.ResultsAmong the total sample of 10289 students, 9831 (96%; 55.6% girls and 44.4% boys, aged 12–20 years) nonsmokers were included in the analysis. Of these, 3333 (33.9%) were found to be susceptible to smoking. Smoking susceptibility was more common among students attending grant-aided schools, non-Muslims, who had smoking allowed at home, had family members or friends who smoke, were sent to purchase cigarettes, had poor knowledge of the harmful effects of smoking, noticed point-of-sale tobacco advertisements, and who had positive attitudes towards smoking.ConclusionsThis study shows that susceptibility to smoking is common among students and associated with preventable exposures. Although based on cross-sectional data, these findings suggest that raising students’ awareness of the harmful effects of smoking and reducing the prevalence of adult smoking, extending tobacco advertising restrictions to include point-of-sale, are all important to preventing the uptake of smoking among students.ImplicationsThis is the first study to provide detailed data on smoking susceptibility and risk factors in a nationally representative sample of young people in The Gambia. Our findings show that susceptibility to smoking is relatively high and associated with preventable measures. Our results also identify an urgent need to broaden the ban on tobacco advertising to explicitly include point-of-sale advertisements. These findings provide valuable information for tobacco control policies and evidence to enable targeted intervention for young people most at risk of initiating smoking.

scholarly journals The impact of home energy efficiency interventions and winter fuel payments on winter- and cold-related mortality and morbidity in England: a natural equipment mixed-methods study

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (11) ◽  
pp. 1-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben Armstrong ◽  
Oliver Bonnington ◽  
Zaid Chalabi ◽  
Michael Davies ◽  
Yvonne Doyle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Housing Stock ◽  
Public Health Research ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Fuel Costs ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Related Mortality

Background England, and the UK more generally, has a large burden of winter- and cold-related mortality/morbidity in comparison with nearby countries in continental Europe. Improving the energy efficiency of the housing stock may help to reduce this, as well as being important for climate change and energy security objectives. Objectives To evaluate the impact of home energy efficiency (HEE) interventions on winter- and cold-related mortality/morbidity, including assessing the impact of winter fuel payments (WFPs) and fuel costs. Design A mixed-methods study – an epidemiological time-series analysis, an analysis of data on HEE interventions, the development and application of modelling methods including a multicriteria decision analysis and an in-depth interview study of householders. Setting England, UK. Participants The population of England. In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 households (2–4 participants each) and 41 individuals in three geographical regions. Interventions HEE interventions. Main outcome measures Mortality, morbidity and intervention-related changes to the home indoor environment. Data sources The Homes Energy Efficiency Database, mortality and hospital admissions data and weather (temperature) data. Results There has been a progressive decline in cold-related deaths since the mid-1970s. Since the introduction of WFPs, the gradient of association between winter cold and mortality [2.00%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.74% to 2.28%] per degree Celsius fall in temperature is somewhat weaker (i.e. that the population is less vulnerable to cold) than in earlier years (2.37%, 95% CI 0.22% to 2.53%). There is also evidence that years with above-average fuel costs were associated with higher vulnerability to outdoor cold. HEE measures installed in England in 2002–10 have had a relatively modest impact in improving the indoor environment. The gains in winter temperatures (around +0.09 °C on a day with maximum outdoor temperature of 5 °C) are associated with an estimated annual reduction of ≈280 cold-related deaths in England (an eventual maximum annual impact of 4000 life-years gained), but these impacts may be appreciably smaller than those of changes in indoor air quality. Modelling studies indicate the potential importance of the medium- and longer-term impacts that HEE measures have on health, which are not observable in short-term studies. They also suggest that HEE improvements of similar annualised cost to current WFPs would achieve greater improvements in health while reducing (rather than increasing) carbon dioxide emissions. In-depth interviews suggest four distinct householder framings of HEE measures (as home improvement, home maintenance, subsidised public goods and contributions to sustainability), which do not dovetail with current ‘consumerist’ national policy and may have implications for the uptake of HEE measures. Limitations The quantification of intervention impacts in this national study is reliant on various indirect/model-based assessments. Conclusions Larger-scale changes are required to the housing stock in England if the full potential benefits for improving health and for reaching increasingly important climate change mitigation targets are to be realised. Future work Studies based on data linkage at individual dwelling level to examine health impacts. There is a need for empirical assessment of HEE interventions on indoor air quality. Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme and will be published in full in Public Health Research; Vol. 6, No. 11. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

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