Summary
Introduction:
This text is a research paper that provides policy-relevant estimates of the impact of alternative flavour bans on preferences and demand for cigarettes and e-cigarettes. The study uses a discrete choice experiment to elicit smokers' and recent quitters' preferences for flavors, price, health impact, and nicotine level in cigarettes and e-cigarettes.
Key Points:
* The study sample consisted of 2031 adult smokers and recent quitters.
* The discrete choice experiment included 36 choice sets and four attributes: flavour, health impact, nicotine level, and price.
* The flavour options included plain tobacco, menthol, fruit, and sweet for cigarettes and e-cigarettes.
* The health impact was expressed as years of life lost by an average user.
* The nicotine level had three options: low, medium, and high.
* The price was displayed in US dollars and based on market prices.
* The study estimated preferences for flavours in cigarettes and e-cigarettes while controlling for other attributes and studied how these preferences varied with individual characteristics.
* The study predicted the demand for cigarettes and e-cigarettes under alternative policies banning flavours.
Main Message:
The study found that a ban on flavoured e-cigarettes alone would likely increase the choice of cigarettes, whereas a ban on menthol cigarettes alone would likely be more effective in reducing the choice of cigarettes. A ban on all flavours in both products would likely reduce smoking/vaping rates but would also increase the use of cigarettes compared to the status quo. The study emphasizes the importance of considering the potential health impacts of both products when choosing flavour bans.
Citation
Buckell J, Marti J, Sindelar JL. Should flavours be banned in cigarettes and e-cigarettes? Evidence on adult smokers and recent quitters from a discrete choice experiment. Tobacco Control: An International Journal. 2019;28(2):168-175. doi:10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2017-054165
