Ben Wamamili1. 1. PhD candidate, School of Health Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch.
Abstract
AIM: Increasing cigarette prices is one of the most effective strategies to reduce smoking. This study examined changes in smoking intentions of university students following simulated price increases. METHOD: Data came from a 2018 cross-sectional survey of university students. The sample comprised 187 current smokers (47% aged <21 years, 53% ≥21 years; 60% male, 40% female; 10% Māori, 90% non-Māori and 18% current vapers). Students were asked how their smoking behaviour would change if the price of a packet of their regular cigarettes or RYO tobacco was increased by $5.00, $10.00, $15.00 or >$15.00. RESULTS: The proportion of students who would smoke the same amount declined substantially, while students who would switch to e-cigarettes increased by large margins at price increases of $5.00, $10.00 and $15.00. Quit intentions increased at all price levels, but were stronger among younger students and females. Males were almost twice as likely to switch to e-cigarettes as females. Overall, more students would quit than switch to e-cigarettes. CONCLUSION: Results show that increasing cigarette prices by ≥$15.00 per packet could lead to significant reductions in smoking among university students. Follow-up data is required to assess the differential effects of price increases on vaping.
AIM: Increasing cigarette prices is one of the most effective strategies to reduce smoking. This study examined changes in smoking intentions of university students following simulated price increases. METHOD: Data came from a 2018 cross-sectional survey of university students. The sample comprised 187 current smokers (47% aged <21 years, 53% ≥21 years; 60% male, 40% female; 10% Māori, 90% non-Māori and 18% current vapers). Students were asked how their smoking behaviour would change if the price of a packet of their regular cigarettes or RYO tobacco was increased by $5.00, $10.00, $15.00 or >$15.00. RESULTS: The proportion of students who would smoke the same amount declined substantially, while students who would switch to e-cigarettes increased by large margins at price increases of $5.00, $10.00 and $15.00. Quit intentions increased at all price levels, but were stronger among younger students and females. Males were almost twice as likely to switch to e-cigarettes as females. Overall, more students would quit than switch to e-cigarettes. CONCLUSION: Results show that increasing cigarette prices by ≥$15.00 per packet could lead to significant reductions in smoking among university students. Follow-up data is required to assess the differential effects of price increases on vaping.