‘Roll-your-own’ cigarette smoking in South Africa between 2007 and 2010

Abstract

BackgroundThe prevalence of smoking and consumption of cigarettes have decreased in South Africa over the last 20 years. This decrease is a result of comprehensive tobacco control legislation, particularly large cigarette tax increases. However, little attention has been given to the potential use of ‘roll-your-own’ cigarettes as cheaper alternatives, especially among the socio-economically disadvantaged population. This study therefore sought to determine socio-demographic correlates of ‘roll-your-own’ cigarette use among South African adults (2007–2010).MethodsThis secondary data analysis used a merged dataset from two nationally representative samples of 2 907 and 3 112 South African adults (aged ≥16 years) who participated in the 2007 and 2010 annual South African Social Attitude Surveys respectively. The surveys used a face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaire. The overall response rates were 83.1% for 2007 and 88.9% for 2010. Data elicited included socio-demographic data, current smoking status, type of tobacco products used, past quit attempts and self-efficacy in quitting. Data analysis included chi-square statistics and multi-variable adjusted logistic regression analysis.ResultsOf the 1 296 current smokers in this study, 24.1% (n = 306) reported using roll-your-own cigarettes. Some of whom also smoked factory-made cigarettes. Roll-your-own cigarette smoking was most common among black Africans and was more common among male smokers than among female smokers (27% vs 15.8%; p < 0.01). Compared to smokers who exclusively used factory-made cigarettes, roll-your-own cigarette smokers were less confident that they could quit, more likely to be less educated, and more likely to reside in rural areas. The odds of use of roll-your-own cigarette were significantly higher in 2010 than in 2007 (OR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.07-1.44).ConclusionsDespite an aggregate decline in smoking prevalence, roll-your-own cigarette smoking has increased and is particularly common among smokers in the lower socio-economic group. The findings also suggest the need for a more intensive treatment intervention to increase self-efficacy to quit among roll-your-own cigarette smokers.

Prevalence and factors associated with tobacco use among adults attending selected healthcare facilities in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa

“…5 The prevalence found in this study was slightly lower than the reported national prevalence for tobacco use: 18.1%, 16.9% and 17.6% in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. 16,21,22 However, our result was similar to a report by Waweru et al, 28 which found a smoking prevalence of 15% among adults in Johannesburg, South Africa. In South Africa, the prevalence of smoking was reported to have modestly reduced between 2004 and 2014, from 24% to 20%; however, there was no reduction in the number of smokers, due to population growth.…”

“…15 Over the past 20 years, a modest reduction in the prevalence of tobacco use has been documented in South Africa following the implementation of comprehensive tobacco control legislation; the number of smokers, however, remains the same as a result of increase in population. 16,17 Tobacco control legislation includes an increase in cigarette tax, anti-smoking legislation, as well as improved awareness of the dangers of cigarette smoking. [16][17][18] Recently, a smoke-free law was also enacted in South Africa, which allows smoking only in designated smoking areas in workplaces and public places.…”

“…16,17 Tobacco control legislation includes an increase in cigarette tax, anti-smoking legislation, as well as improved awareness of the dangers of cigarette smoking. [16][17][18] Recently, a smoke-free law was also enacted in South Africa, which allows smoking only in designated smoking areas in workplaces and public places. 3,19,20 Over the past 20 years, data on tobacco use have informed the effectiveness of South Africa's tobacco control strategies.…”

Cigarette Smoking Trends and Social Disparities Among South African Adults, 2003–2011

“…19 In addition, an integrative approach towards taxation of different tobacco products may be necessary to avert or reduce price-minimization strategies, such as switching to relatively cheaper products such as hand rolled cigarettes, as previously noted in South Africa. 20 This study found some striking disparities in smoking among certain population groups. For example, smoking prevalence increased among females with the highest education, but not among their male counterparts.…”

Controlling the use of Tobacco for Sustainable Development: A Focus on India and South Africa

“…35 According to a monitoring and evaluation report produced by the Southern Africa Resilience Innovation Lab, School of Health Systems and Public Health, RYO cigarettes pose a greater health risk than factory produced cigarettes due to a difference in weight, diameter, packing density and porosity of the wrapping paper. 36 Studies report that RYO cigarettes require more puffs, and the smoker therefore inhales more smoke per cigarette for a longer period of time, exposing themselves to a wider range of carcinogens and other harmful substances.…”