Mohamad Al-Tannir1,2, Amani Abu-Shaheen3, Youssef Altannir4, Mustafa Altannir4. 1. Research Monitoring Department, Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 2. King Fahad Medical City, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 3. Scientific Writing Department, Research Center, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 4. Research Monitoring Department, Research Center, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Saudi Arabia doubled its tobacco tax in June 2017. AIMS: To examine the association between an increase in tobacco prices and consumption behaviour among current male smokers in Riyadh. METHODS: We conducted a community-based study using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to current male smokers aged 15+ years in Riyadh in 2018. The survey included questions on sociodemographic characteristics, tobacco consumption and self-reported chronic health conditions. RESULTS: A total of 1481 participants were included in the final data analysis. After the tobacco tax was doubled, 25.6% of the participants reduced their cigarette consumption and 1.0% quit smoking. The average daily cigarette consumption after enforcing the tobacco tax [19.77, standard deviation (SD) 10.7], was statistically significantly lower than before taxation (21.19, SD 10.8) (P < 0.0001). The calculated price elasticity of demand was -0.20 (inelastic). Employment status (P = 0.002) and per capita gross domestic product purchasing power parity (P = 0.001) were the only statistically significant factors associated with the change in smoking habits. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing tobacco prices reduced tobacco consumption by 26.6% among Saudi Arabian male smokers.
BACKGROUND: Saudi Arabia doubled its tobacco tax in June 2017. AIMS: To examine the association between an increase in tobacco prices and consumption behaviour among current male smokers in Riyadh. METHODS: We conducted a community-based study using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to current male smokers aged 15+ years in Riyadh in 2018. The survey included questions on sociodemographic characteristics, tobacco consumption and self-reported chronic health conditions. RESULTS: A total of 1481 participants were included in the final data analysis. After the tobacco tax was doubled, 25.6% of the participants reduced their cigarette consumption and 1.0% quit smoking. The average daily cigarette consumption after enforcing the tobacco tax [19.77, standard deviation (SD) 10.7], was statistically significantly lower than before taxation (21.19, SD 10.8) (P < 0.0001). The calculated price elasticity of demand was -0.20 (inelastic). Employment status (P = 0.002) and per capita gross domestic product purchasing power parity (P = 0.001) were the only statistically significant factors associated with the change in smoking habits. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing tobacco prices reduced tobacco consumption by 26.6% among Saudi Arabian male smokers.