Carla J Berg1, Kurt M Ribisl2, James F Thrasher3, Regine Haardörfer4, Jean O'Connor5, Michelle C Kegler4. 1. Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA. cjberg@emory.edu. 2. Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. 3. Department of Health Promotion, Education & Behavior, University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health, Columbia, SC, USA. 4. Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA. 5. Georgia Department of Public Health, Office of Applied Public Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Given the lag in tobacco control policies in the southeastern US, we examined differences in reactions to tobacco taxes and related messaging among Southeasterners vs. non-Southeasterners. METHODS: In 2013, a cross-sectional online survey using quota-based sampling was conducted assessing tobacco use, attitudes/knowledge regarding tobacco taxation, and reactions to related messaging (health, youth prevention, economic impact, individual rights/responsibility, morality/religion, hospitality). RESULTS: Of 2501 participants, 36.7% were past 30-day smokers; 26.7% were Southeasterners. Compared to others, Southeasterners more likely believed that their state was in the bottom 20 states in tobacco taxes (p < .001) and less likely reported that their taxes were too high (p < .001). Regression analysis indicated that correlates of opposition to increased taxes included being older, having less education, being an infrequent church-attender, and being a current smoker (p's < .001); being a Southeasterner was not associated. Compared to others, Southeasterners were more likely to find pro-tobacco tax messages related to prevention and hospitality as more persuasive (p < .05) and anti-tobacco tax messaging related to the unfairness of tobacco taxes to smokers (p = .050) less persuasive. CONCLUSIONS: Given that Southeasterners are receptive to increased taxation, other factors must contribute to lagging policy and must be addressed.
OBJECTIVES: Given the lag in tobacco control policies in the southeastern US, we examined differences in reactions to tobacco taxes and related messaging among Southeasterners vs. non-Southeasterners. METHODS: In 2013, a cross-sectional online survey using quota-based sampling was conducted assessing tobacco use, attitudes/knowledge regarding tobacco taxation, and reactions to related messaging (health, youth prevention, economic impact, individual rights/responsibility, morality/religion, hospitality). RESULTS: Of 2501 participants, 36.7% were past 30-day smokers; 26.7% were Southeasterners. Compared to others, Southeasterners more likely believed that their state was in the bottom 20 states in tobacco taxes (p < .001) and less likely reported that their taxes were too high (p < .001). Regression analysis indicated that correlates of opposition to increased taxes included being older, having less education, being an infrequent church-attender, and being a current smoker (p's < .001); being a Southeasterner was not associated. Compared to others, Southeasterners were more likely to find pro-tobacco tax messages related to prevention and hospitality as more persuasive (p < .05) and anti-tobacco tax messaging related to the unfairness of tobacco taxes to smokers (p = .050) less persuasive. CONCLUSIONS: Given that Southeasterners are receptive to increased taxation, other factors must contribute to lagging policy and must be addressed.
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