Cigarette excise tax structure and cigarette prices in nine sub-Saharan African countries: evidence from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey

Filby, Samantha; Walbeek, Corné van; Pan, Liping

doi:10.1136/tc-2022-057414

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 13 publications

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“…In eight sub-Saharan countries, Filby analyses the relationship between smoking and tobacco prices using 2012-2018 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) data. 3 Filby found that cigarette price is the only statistically significant policy predictor of smoking prevalence and intensity-making tax increases an attractive option in the region. In Vietnam, where male smoking prevalence is 39%, Nguyen et al 4 also use GATS data to explore the effect of cigarette prices on smoking uptake and cessation.…”

Section: Marita Heflermentioning

confidence: 99%

Tobacco control policy and regulation from diverse perspectives and contexts

Hefler

2024

Tob Control

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Section: Marita Heflermentioning

confidence: 99%

Tobacco control policy and regulation from diverse perspectives and contexts

Hefler

2024

Tob Control

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A Cross-Country Study of Cigarette Affordability and Single-Stick Purchases Using Survey Data From African Countries

Filby

2024

Nicotine and Tobacco Research

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Introduction Reducing cigarette affordability is paramount for reducing cigarette consumption. Measuring affordability requires data on cigarette prices. Unlike the commonly used retail price of a 20-pack of the most-sold cigarette domestically, survey-derived cigarette prices reflect differences arising from the brand variety and the types of packaging in which cigarettes are purchased. Aims and Methods This paper uses self-reported cigarette price data from the eight African countries that have implemented the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) to construct country-level Relative Income Prices. The relationship between cigarette affordability, cigarette smoking prevalence, and cigarette smoking intensity, is examined using logit models for smoking participation (N = 51 122) and generalized linear models for conditional cigarette demand (N = 2443). GATS data are also used to produce nationally representative estimates of the prevalence of single-stick cigarette purchases in the sampled countries. Results The estimated affordability elasticity of cigarette smoking participation is –0.245 (95% CI = –0.411 to –0.078). The estimated affordability elasticity of smoking intensity is –0.155 (95% CI = –0.286 to –0.023). Single-stick cigarette sales dominate all-markets. The proportion of smokers who reported buying cigarettes in the form of single sticks during their most recent cigarette purchase exceeds 90% in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Conclusions The results point to the need for governments in the countries sampled to increase excise taxes in a manner that renders cigarettes less affordable over time, and to enact and enforce legislation that prohibits the sale of single cigarettes. These findings highlight that measures to reduce both the demand and supply of cigarettes will be required to reduce their use in the region. Implications This study is the first to examine the prevalence of single-stick cigarette purchases, and the association between cigarette affordability and smoking outcomes, in the African setting, using data from the GATS. Findings provide local evidence for the countries sampled, which represent over half of sub-Saharan Africa’s adult population (aged 15 and older), on the importance of implementing excise tax increases that reduce cigarette affordability over time. They also highlight the need to enact and enforce legislation that prohibits the sale of single cigarettes.

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The effect of tobacco tax increase on price‐minimizing tobacco purchasing behaviours: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Cho,

Lim,

Sun

et al. 2024

Addiction

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Background and aimsTobacco product excise taxes are a cost‐effective method for reducing tobacco consumption, but industry pricing and marketing strategies encourage consumers to engage in price‐minimizing behaviours (PMBs). We investigated the relationship between tobacco tax increases and PMBs, measuring whether PMBs intensify following tax increases, whether low‐income consumers with higher nicotine dependence are more likely to engage in PMBs and whether PMBs are negatively related to smoking cessation.MethodThis was a systematic review with meta‐analysis of cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies from seven databases up to March 2023, using studies that reported any product‐ and purchasing‐related smoking behaviours post‐tobacco tax increase in a general representative population. Sixty‐eight studies were quality‐assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. All studies were narratively synthesized, with five studies involving 13 068–26 575 participants providing data for pooled analyses on PMBs [purchasing lower‐priced brands, roll‐your‐own (RYO) tobacco and cartons] pre‐ and post‐tax increases using a random effects meta‐analytical model.ResultsFifty‐seven studies reported on legal PMBs, and 17 studies reported illicit cigarette purchasing. Meta‐analysis showed that consecutive tax increases were positively associated with purchasing RYO [odds ratio (OR) = 1.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04–2.46], especially in higher tobacco taxing environments, with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 96%). Lower income and higher nicotine dependence were associated with purchasing lower‐priced brands and RYO, whereas higher income and nicotine dependence were associated with purchasing cartons, large‐sized packs and cross‐border sales. Less evidence associated illicit tobacco purchases with tax increases or PMBs with smoking cessation.ConclusionsTobacco purchasers’ PMBs vary widely by state, country and time‐period within countries. Both legal and illegal PMBs, potentially influenced by industry pricing tactics, may exacerbate health inequalities and dilute the public health benefits of tobacco tax increases.

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Cigarette excise tax structure and cigarette prices in nine sub-Saharan African countries: evidence from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey

Cited by 3 publications

References 13 publications

Tobacco control policy and regulation from diverse perspectives and contexts

Tobacco control policy and regulation from diverse perspectives and contexts

A Cross-Country Study of Cigarette Affordability and Single-Stick Purchases Using Survey Data From African Countries

The effect of tobacco tax increase on price‐minimizing tobacco purchasing behaviours: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

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