Analysis of cigarette demand in Argentina: the impact of price changes on consumption and government revenues / Análisis de la demanda de cigarrillos en Argentina: impacto de variaciones de precios en el consumo y recaudación

Abstract: Objective: To estimate cigarette demand and to simulate a tax policy targeted to reduce tobacco consumption. Materials and methods: Demand was estimated using a vector error correction model. Simulation exercises present the impact of a tax increase on consumption and revenues. Results: Changes in real income and the real price of cigarettes affect the demand for cigarettes in Argentina. The long term price elasticity is 0.279 (a 10% increase in real prices reduces cigarette consumption by 2.79% per quarter) and the long term income elasticity is 0.411 (a 10% increase in real income raises consumption by 4.11% per quarter). Even in a conservative scenario, simulations show that increasing the price of cigarettes by 100% using excise taxes would maximize revenues and reduce cigarette consumption. Conclusion: There is sufficient room to increase taxes, reducing cigarette consumption, while still increasing tax revenues.

Resumen: Objetivo: Estimar la demanda de cigarrillos y simular una política fiscal dirigida a reducir el consumo de tabaco. Material y métodos: Se estima la demanda mediante el modelo de corrección de errores. Se simula el impacto del incremento de los impuestos en el consumo y la recaudación. Resultados: Las variaciones en ingreso y precio real de los cigarrillos afectan la demanda. La elasticidad precio de la demanda de largo plazo es de 0.279 (10% de aumento en los precios reales reduce el consumo de cigarrillos en 2.79% en un trimestre) y la elasticidad ingreso de largo plazo es 0.411 (10% de aumento en el ingreso real aumenta el consumo en 4.11% en un trimestre). Aun en un escenario conservador, un incremento del precio de los cigarrillos de 100% vía impuestos maximizaría la recaudación y reduciría el consumo de cigarrillos. Conclusión: Es posible incrementar los impuestos reduciendo el consumo de cigarrillos e incrementando la recaudación.

Factores socioeconómicos asociados con la compra ilegal de productos de tabaco en Panamá / Socioeconomic factors associated with the illegal purchase of tobacco products in Panama

Resumen: Objetivo: Caracterizar la compra ilegal de productos derivados del tabaco y su asociación con variables sociodemográficas y socioeconómicas. Material y métodos: La fuente de datos es la Encuesta undial de Tabaco en Adultos de 2013. Se caracterizó la compra ilícita mediante variables sociodemográficas (SOD) y socioeconómicas (SES). Se utilizaron modelos de regresión logística. Resultados: Se encontraron asociaciones de las variables SOD y SES con compra ilegal, particularmente en hombres; grupo etario de 15 a 39 años, educación no formal, empleado de gobierno e inactivos, área urbana, fumador diario y en el primer quintil de ingresos. Conclusiones: Las variables SOD y SES influyen en la compra ilícita. Es importante la vigilancia del comercio ilícito en el segmento minorista y la aplicación efectiva de las normas vigentes.

Abstract: Objective: To characterize the illegal purchase of tobacco products in Panama and the ssocation with sociodemographic and socioeconomic variables. Materials and methods: Study population derived from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) conducted in 2013. The association of sociodemographic and socioeconomic variables with illegal purchase of tobacco products was estimated by means of logistic regression models. Results: Men, age group 15 to 39, no formal education, non-governmental, inactive employees,current smoking, lowest quintile of income and living in rural areas were factors associated with the illegal purchase of tobacco products. Conclusions. Sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors play an important role in the illegal purchase of tobacco products. These results suggest the importance of surveillance over illicit trade and of the effective implementation of the current laws.

Generating revenue by raising tobacco taxes in Latin America and the Caribbean / Generar ingresos al aumentar los impuestos al tabaco en América Latina y el Caribe / Geração de receita com o aumento dos impostos dos cigarros na América Latina e no Caribe

ABSTRACT Objective The objective of this study was to determine if raising tobacco taxes in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region will generate extra tax revenue, even at outer edges of the sensitivity analysis, with relatively high price elasticities of demand for cigarettes. Methods A model of the cigarette market in 31 LAC countries was developed using cigarette tax, price, and retail sales data for 2014. It was then assumed that all countries increased the excise tax by 50% per pack. The model incorporated 12 studies from the LAC region that estimate the price elasticity of demand for cigarettes to quantify the expected impact of this tax increase on sales and tax revenues. Results The tax increase would raise cigarette prices by an average of 28% across the region. The volume of cigarette sales would decrease by 7% (confidence interval (CI): 3-11). Cigarette tax revenue would increase by 32% (CI: 27-37), representing an extra US$ 7 050 million (CI: 5 984-8 086) in revenue. Almost all countries showed increases in tax revenue, even at outer edges of the sensitivity analysis. Conclusions These findings confirm that the expected benefits of raising tobacco taxes are robust across the LAC region. Countries in the region should have confidence that raising tobacco tax rates will generate extra tax revenues.

RESUMEN Objetivo El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar si aumentar los impuestos al tabaco en América Latina y el Caribe generaría ingresos fiscales adicionales, incluso por fuera del extremo superior del análisis de sensibilidad, con una elasticidad relativamente alta de la demanda de cigarrillos con respecto al precio. Métodos Se elaboró un modelo del mercado del cigarrillo en 31 países de América Latina y el Caribe utilizando datos sobre impuestos, precio y ventas minoristas de cigarrillos correspondientes al 2014. Luego se adoptó el supuesto de que todos los países aumentaban el impuesto al consumo de tabaco un 50% por paquete. El modelo incorporó 12 estudios de América Latina y el Caribe que estimaron la elasticidad de la demanda de cigarrillos con respecto al precio para cuantificar la repercusión prevista de este aumento de impuestos sobre las ventas y los ingresos fiscales. Resultados El aumento de los impuestos aumentaría el precio de los cigarrillos un 28% promedio en toda esta región. El volumen de la venta de cigarrillos disminuiría alrededor de 7% (intervalo de confianza [IC]: 3-11). Los ingresos derivados del impuesto a los cigarrillos aumentarían en 32% (IC: 27-37), lo que supondría ingresos adicionales por US$ 7 050 millones (IC: 5 984-8 086). En casi todos los países se observó un aumento de los ingresos fiscales, incluso por fuera del extremo superior del análisis de sensibilidad. Conclusiones Estos resultados confirman que los beneficios previstos del aumento de los impuestos al tabaco son sólidos en toda América Latina y el Caribe. Los países de esta región deben confiar en que el aumento de las tasas impositivas al tabaco generará ingresos fiscales adicionales.

RESUMO Objetivo Determinar se o aumento dos impostos que incidem sobre os cigarros na Região da América Latina e Caribe (ALC) gera receita tributária adicional, mesmo nas extremidades da análise de sensibilidade, com elasticidade do preço relativamente alta na demanda por cigarros. Métodos Um modelo do mercado de cigarros em 31 países da ALC foi desenvolvido com a inclusão de dados sobre imposto, preço e vendas a varejo de cigarros em 2014. Pressupôs-se que todos os países efetuaram um aumento do imposto especial de consumo em 50% por maço de cigarro. O modelo se baseou em 12 estudos da Região da ALC que estimaram a elasticidade do preço na demanda por cigarros para quantificar o impacto esperado do aumento do imposto na receita tributária e das vendas. Resultados O aumento do imposto resultaria em um aumento médio no preço dos cigarros de 28% em toda a Região. O volume de vendas de cigarros sofreria uma queda de 7% (intervalo de confiança (IC): 3-11). A receita do imposto dos cigarros teria um aumento de 32% (IC: 27-37), representando um adicional de US$ 7,05 bilhões (IC: 5,984-8,086) na receita. Quase todos os países demonstraram aumento na receita tributária, até mesmo nas extremidades da análise de sensibilidade. Conclusão Os resultados deste estudo confirmam que os benefícios esperados com o aumento dos impostos dos cigarros são consideráveis em toda a Região da ALC. Os países podem ter confiança de que aumentar as taxas tributárias dos cigarros gera receita tributária adicional.

Tobacco growing and the sustainable development goals, Malawi

Negative impacts of tobacco result from human consumption and from tobacco-growing activities, most of which now occur in low- and middle-income countries. Malawi is the world's largest producer of burley tobacco and its population is affected by the negative consequences of both tobacco consumption and production. In countries like Malawi, tobacco control refers to control of the tobacco supply chain, rather than control of consumption. We review the impact of tobacco cultivation, using Malawi as an example, to illustrate the economic, environmental, health and social issues faced by low- and middle-income countries that still produce significant tobacco crops. We place these issues in the context of the sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly 3a which calls on all governments to strengthen the implementation of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Other goals address the negative effects that tobacco cultivation has on development. The SDGs offer an opportunity for low- and middle-income countries that are dependent on tobacco production and that are not yet parties to the Convention, to reconsider joining the FCTC

Carga de enfermedad por tabaquismo e impacto potencial del incremento de precios de cigarrillos en el Perú / Burden of smoking-related disease and potential impact of cigarette price increase in Peru

RESUMEN Objetivos . Estimar la carga de enfermedad asociada al tabaquismo y evaluar el potencial impacto económico y en salud del aumento de los impuestos a los cigarrillos en el Perú. Materiales y métodos. Mediante un modelo de microsimulación se estimó el impacto en mortalidad, calidad de vida y costos atribuibles al tabaquismo por enfermedad cardiaca y cerebrovascular, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, neumonía, cáncer de pulmón y otras nueve neoplasias. Se evaluaron tres escenarios de aumento de impuestos. Resultados . Un total anual de 16 719 muertes, 6926 diagnósticos de cáncer, 7936 accidentes cerebrovasculares y 7548 hospitalizaciones por enfermedad cardiovascular se pueden atribuir al tabaquismo en Perú. Asimismo, se pierden 396 069 años de vida por muerte prematura y discapacidad cada año, y el costo de tratar los problemas de salud ocasionados por el tabaco asciende a 2500 millones de soles (PEN 2015). Actualmente, los impuestos al tabaco llegan a cubrir solamente el 9,1% de dicho gasto. Un incremento del 50% en el precio de los cigarrillos podría evitar 13 391 muertes, 6210 eventos cardiovasculares y 5361 nuevos cánceres en los próximos diez años, y representaría un beneficio económico de 3145 millones (PEN) por ahorro de costos sanitarios y aumento de la recaudación impositiva. Conclusiones . La carga de enfermedad y el costo para el sistema de salud asociados al tabaquismo son elevados en Perú. Incrementar los impuestos al cigarrillo podría derivar en importantes beneficios para el país, tanto sanitarios como económicos.

ABSTRACT Objectives . To calculate the burden of smoking-related disease and evaluate the potential economic and health impact of tax-induced cigarette price increase in Peru. Materials and methods. A microsimulation model was used to estimate smoking-attributable impact on mortality, quality of life, and costs associated with heart and cerebrovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, lung cancer, and another nine cancers. Three scenarios, involving increased taxes, were evaluated. Results . A yearly total of 16,719 deaths, 6,926 cancer diagnoses, 7,936 strokes, and 7,548 hospital admissions due to cardiovascular disease can be attributed to smoking in Peru. Similarly, 396,069 years of life are lost each year from premature death and disability, and the cost of treating smoking-attributable health issues rises to 2,500 million soles (PEN 2015). Currently, taxes on tobacco cover only 9.1% of this expense. If cigarette prices were to increase by 50% over the next 10 years, 13,391 deaths, 6,210 cardiovascular events, and 5,361 new cancers could be prevented, representing an economic benefit of 3,145 million (PEN) in savings in health costs and increases in tax revenues. Conclusions . Smoking-attributable burden of disease and costs to the health system are very high in Peru. Higher cigarette taxes could have substantial health and economic benefits for the country.

Implications of raising cigarette excise taxes in Peru / Efectos de aumentar los impuestos indirectos sobre tabaco en el Perú

ABSTRACT Objective To assess how raising cigarette excise taxes in Peru might impact cigarette consumption, and to determine if higher taxes would be regressive. Methods Total demand price elasticity was estimated by income groups using two datasets: quarterly time-series data from 1993 – 2012 and data from a cross-sectional survey of income and expenses conducted in 2008 – 2009 . A functional form of the cigarette demand in Peru was specified using the quarterly data set, and the demand price elasticity was estimated for the short and long run. Using the second data set and Deaton methodology, the implementation of elasticity estimation and by groups’ elasticity was done in a two-step procedure. Results Demand price elasticity was −0.7, implying that a 10% price increase via a new tax would reduce consumption by 7%. Demand price elasticity estimations by income group suggested that poorer families are not more price sensitive than richer ones, which implies that increasing cigarette taxes could be regressive. Conclusions Increasing cigarette taxes is the most efficient policy for inducing a reduction in smoking. However, in the case of Peru, an increase in cigarette taxes could be regressive.

RESUMEN Objetivo Examinar los efectos que podría tener un aumento de los impuestos indirectos sobre el tabaco en el Perú sobre el consumo de cigarrillos y determinar si el alza de los impuestos tendría un efecto regresivo. Métodos La elasticidad de la demanda total en función del precio se determinó, por grupos de ingreso, a partir de dos conjuntos de datos: datos trimestrales de series cronológicas para el período de 1993 al 2012 y datos obtenidos en una encuesta transversal de ingresos y gastos para el período del 2008 al 2009. El tipo de función matemática que capta la demanda de cigarrillos en el Perú se determinó a partir de los datos trimestrales; la elasticidad de la demanda en función del precio se calculó tanto para el corto como para el largo plazo. El segundo conjunto de datos y el método de Deaton se usaron para calcular en dos pasos la elasticidad y la elasticidad por grupos. Resultados La elasticidad de la demanda en función del precio fue de -0,7. Esto implica que un aumento de precio de 10% por efecto de un impuesto nuevo reduciría el consumo en 7%. Los cálculos de la elasticidad de la demanda en función del precio por grupos de ingreso revelaron que las familias más pobres no reaccionan más a los cambios de precio que las familias más prósperas, o sea, que un aumento de los impuestos sobre el tabaco podría tener un efecto regresivo. Conclusiones El aumento de los impuestos sobre el tabaco es la política más eficiente para reducir el tabaquismo. Sin embargo, en el caso del Perú dicho aumento podría tener consecuencias regresivas.

Inter-rater reliability of measures to characterize the tobacco retail environment in Mexico / Confiabilidad interobservador de las medidas para evaluar la publicidad del tabaco en los puntos de venta en México

Objective. To evaluate the inter-rater reliability of a data collection instrument to assess the tobacco retail environment in Mexico, after major marketing regulations were implemented. Materials and methods. In 2013, two data collectors independently evaluated 21 stores in two census tracts, through a data collection instrument that assessed the presence of price promotions, whether single cigarettes were sold, the number of visible advertisements, the presence of signage prohibiting the sale of cigarettes to minors, and characteristics of cigarette pack displays. We evaluated the inter-rater reliability of the collected data, through the calculation of metrics such as intraclass correlation coefficient, percent agreement, Cohen's kappa and Krippendorff's alpha. Results. Most measures demonstrated substantial or perfect inter-rater reliability. Conclusions. Our results indicate the potential utility of the data collection instrument for future point-of-sale research.

Objetivo. Evaluar la confiabilidad interobservador de un instrumento de recolección de datos para el entorno minorista de tabaco en México, después de que se implementaran fuertes regulaciones para su comercialización. Material y métodos. En 2013, se evaluaron de forma independiente 21 tiendas en dos áreas geoestadísticas básicas, a través de un instrumento de recolección de datos que evalúa la presencia de promociones, si se venden cigarrillos sueltos, el número de anuncios visibles, la presencia de la señalización que prohíbe la venta de cigarrillos a menores de edad, y las características de los exhibidores de cigarrillos. Se evaluó la fiabilidad interobservador de los datos recabados, a través del cálculo de métricas como el coeficiente de correlación intraclase, porcentaje de concordancia, kappa de Cohen y alfa de Krippendorff. Resultados. La mayoría de las variables observadas demostraron un nivel de confiabilidad interobservador sustancial. Conclusiones. Los resultados indican la utilidad potencial del instrumento de recolección de datos para la investigación futura.

A política antitabagismo e a variação dos gastos das famílias brasileiras com cigarro: resultados das Pesquisas de Orçamentos Familiares, 2002/2003 e 2008/2009 / Tobacco control policy and variation in Brazilian family spending on cigarettes: results of the Brazilian Household Budget Surveys in 2002/2003 and 2008/2009 / Política de control sobre el tabaco y variación del gasto de las familias brasileñas respecto al mismo: resultados de Encuestas de Presupuestos Familiares, 2002/2003 y 2008/2009

O estudo teve como objetivo descrever a evolução dos gastos com cigarro das famílias brasileiras e seu peso sobre a renda dessas no período de 2002-2009. Foram utilizados dados da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares (POF) de 2002/2003 e 2008/2009. Foi realizada correção dos valores mediante o Índice de Preços ao Consumidor Amplo (IPCA). A proporção de famílias que tiveram gastos com cigarro reduziu de 23,5% para 18,2%, no período estudado, mas o valor do gasto aumentou de R$ 55,36 para R$ 59,45. O gasto foi maior à medida que aumentavam a renda e a escolaridade do chefe das famílias. As famílias com maior renda concentram a maior parte desses gastos, apesar da redução de sua contribuição no gasto total com cigarro. O comprometimento da renda na aquisição de cigarros foi de 5,2% no primeiro e de 1,2% no último quinto de renda. A política antitabagismo logrou êxitos na redução da prevalência do tabagismo no Brasil. Porém, medidas econômicas ainda são importantes no contexto nacional, tendo em vista que a parcela da renda e da despesa das famílias comprometida com cigarro apresentou redução.

This study aimed to describe trends in family spending on cigarettes and its share of family budget, comparing 2002 and 2009, using the Brazilian Household Budget Surveys from 2002/2003 and 2008/2009. The Expanded Consumer Price Index (IPCA) was used. The proportion of families that purchased cigarettes decreased from 23.5% to 18.2%, however their spending increased from BRL 55.36 to BRL 59.45. Spending on cigarettes was proportional to family income and head-of-family’s schooling. Higher-income families still accounted for most of the expenditure, although the share of family income spent on cigarettes declined. The share of income for purchasing cigarettes was 5.2% in the lowest income quintile and 1.2% in the highest. Tobacco control policy has succeeded in reducing smoking prevalence in Brazil. However, economic measures are still important in the country, since the family’s share of income and spending on cigarettes have decreased.

El objetivo fue describir la evolución de los gastos en las familias brasileñas con el tabaco y su peso en los ingresos familiares durante el período de 2002-2009. Se utilizaron datos de las Encuestas de Presupuestos Familiares (POF) 2002/2003 y 2008/2009. Se aplicó el Índice de Precios al Consumidor Ampliado (IPCA). La proporción de familias que habían gastado en tabaco disminuyó de 23,5 % a un 18,2 %. Sin embargo, el gasto de los hogares aumentó de R$ 55,36 a R$ 59,45. El gasto fue mayor con el aumento de los ingresos y de la educación del cabeza de familia. Los hogares con ingresos más altos concentran la mayor parte de estos gastos, mientras existe una reducción de su participación en el gasto total con el tabaco. El gasto comprometido con el tabaco fue un 5,2 % en la primera franja de ingresos y el 1,2 % en la última franja de ingresos. La política de control sobre el tabaco tuvo éxito en la reducción del consumo de tabaco en Brasil. No obstante, siguen siendo importantes las medidas económicas, dado que la proporción de ingresos y gastos comprometidos por las familias con el tabaco disminuyó.

Comparison between full face and hemifacial CBCT cephalograms in clinically symmetrical patients: a pilot study

INTRODUCTION: One of the advantages of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is the possibility of obtaining images of conventional lateral cephalograms derived from partial or complete reconstruction of facial images. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at comparing full face, right and left hemifacial CBCT cephalograms of orthodontic patients without clinical facial asymmetry. METHODS: The sample comprised nine clinically symmetrical patients who had pretreament full face CBCT. The CBCTs were reconstructed so as to obtain full face, right and left hemifacial cephalograms. Two observers, at two different times, obtained linear and angular measurements for the images using Dolphin 3D software. Dependent and independent t-tests were used to assess the reproducibility of measurements. Analysis of Variance and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare the variables obtained in the CBCT derived cephalometric views. RESULTS: There was good reproducibility for CBCT scans and no statistically significant differences between measurements of full face, right and left hemifacial CBCT scans. CONCLUSIONS: Cephalometric measurements in full face, right and left hemifacial CBCT scans in clinically symmetrical patients are similar. .

INTRODUÇÃO: uma das vantagens da tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC) é a possibilidade de obtenção da imagem da telerradiografia em norma lateral convencional, por reconstruir parcial ou totalmente a face em uma visão sagital. OBJETIVO: o presente estudo teve como objetivo comparar as imagens de cefalogramas obtidas da face total e das hemifaces direita e esquerda por meio de TCFC, em pacientes sem assimetria clinica. MÉTODOS: a amostra foi composta por nove pacientes, clinicamente simétricos, que tinham em seus prontuários TCFC de face total. Os exames tomográficos foram reformatados para a obtenção de cefalogramas de face total e hemifaces direita e esquerda. Dois observadores, em dois momentos diferentes, obtiveram medidas lineares e angulares dessas imagens, utilizando o software Dolphin 3D. Testes t dependentes e independentes foram utilizados para verificar a reprodutibilidade das medidas nas imagens. Análise de variância (ANOVA) e o teste de Kruskal-Wallis foram utilizados para comparar as variáveis obtidas nas análises cefalométricas. RESULTADOS: houve boa reprodutibilidade para as imagens de TCFC e não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre as medidas cefalométricas obtidas de cefalogramas de face total, hemifaces direita e esquerda. CONCLUSÕES: medidas cefalométricas obtidas de cefalogramas de face total, hemifaces direita e esquerda em pacientes clinicamente simétricos são semelhantes. .

The relation between price and daily consumption of cigarettes and bidis: Findings from the Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Wave 1 Survey.

CONTEXT: In India, 14% of the population use smoked tobacco products. Increasing prices of these products is one of the measures to curb their consumption. AIMS: This study analyzes “unit price” and “daily consumption” of cigarettes and bidis and investigates their relation with each other. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross‑sectional survey was conducted in four states of India (Bihar, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra) as a part of the International Tobacco Control Policy (TCP) Evaluation Project (the TCP India Project) during 2010–2011. METHODS: Information was collected from adult (aged ≥15) daily exclusive smokers of cigarette/bidi regarding (a) last purchase (purchase in pack/loose, brand and price) and (b) daily consumption. Average unit price and daily consumption was calculated for different brands and states. Regression model was used to assess the impact of price on daily consumption. RESULTS: Bidis were much less expensive (₹0.39) than cigarettes (₹3.1). The daily consumption was higher (14) among bidi smokers than cigarette smokers (8). The prices and daily consumption of bidis (₹0.33–0.43; 12–15) and cigarettes (₹2.9–3.6; 5–9) varied across the four states. The unit prices of bidis and cigarettes did not influence their daily consumption. Smokers purchasing bidis in packs paid substantially less per unit and purchase of bidis and cigarettes in packs influenced their consumption positively. CONCLUSIONS: Cigarettes although more expensive than bidis, seem very cheap if compared internationally. Hence, prices of both cigarettes and bidis do not influence their consumption.

Compliance to Gutka ban and other provisons of COTPA in Mumbai.

BACKGROUND: Cigarettes and other tobacco products act 2003 (COTPA) is the principal law governing tobacco control in India. Government of Maharashtra in one of its landmark decisions also banned manufacturing, sale and distribution of gutka and pan masala since July 2012. The desired impact and level of enforcement of the COTPA legislation and the gutka and pan masala ban in Maharashtra State, however, needs assessment. Among the many provisions within COTPA, the present study seeks to assess compliance to implementation and enforcement of Section 5 and 6 of COTPA including compliance to gutka and pan masala ban in Mumbai, India. METHODOLOGY: Six educational institutes (EI) within the Mumbai metropolitan region were selected in a two stage random sampling process. Area around each EI was manually mapped and all the tobacco products selling outlets with in the 100 yards distance were listed by trained Field Social Investigators and were observed to determine compliance for Section 5 and Section 6 of the COTPA legislation and for gutka and pan masala ban. The vendors/shop owners manning these outlets were also interviewed for their personal sociodemographic details, self‑tobacco use, awareness and perception about ill‑effects of tobacco and existing tobacco control legislation in the country. RESULTS: A total of 222 tobacco retail outlets were listed within 100 yards of the EI in violation to the provisions of Section 6 of COTPA, of which 72 (32.4%) were selling tobacco products on mobile structures. About 53.2% of the tobacco vendors were also users of some form of tobacco. Whereas, nearly 217 (97.7%) vendors were aware about the gutka and pan masala ban in the State, only 48.2% were aware about the existence of COTPA legislation. None of the EI had a display board prohibiting the sale of tobacco products within a radius of 100 yards of their EI. Only 56.3% tobacco outlets had complied with the mandatory warning display boards indicating tobacco products will not be sold to people below 18 years of age. With regards to point of sale advertisement only 25.2% compliance was noted for display of health warning boards at the point of sale. Nearly 48.6% tobacco outlets exhibited >2 display boards and another 43.2% exhibited hoardings with brand pack photo, brand name in violation to the provision under Section 5. Violation by visible stacking and open display of tobacco products for sale was observed at 51.3% of tobacco outlets. While 41% of tobacco outlets were found displaying gutka and pan masala packets in violation to the ban. CONCLUSIONS: Enacting of the law without robust measures for enforcement has led to widespread noncompliance to the provisions with in the tobacco control legislation in the metropolitan city of Mumbai. Strong and sustainable measures needs to be incorporated both by civic administration and public health departments for its forceful implementation.

Dual use of tobacco among Bangladeshi men.

INTRODUCTION: Dual use of tobacco (using smoking and smokeless forms) in Bangladesh is uncommon in women but common in men. Dual users are at additional risk of cancers and heart diseases compared with a single form of tobacco use. Knowledge about their socioeconomic background is necessary for planning appropriate interventions. We report here socioeconomic background of the dual users of tobacco from a nationally representative survey. METHODS: The study adopted a probability proportionate to size sampling technic of divisional population stratified into urban and rural areas to recruit men aged 25 years or older from their households. A total of 4312 men were recruited. Variables included questions on 20 household assets, tobacco use and other behavioral risk factors, and measurement of body weight and height. RESULTS: The average age of dual users was 46.7 years old compared to 43.4 and 52.3 years for smokers and smokeless tobacco users. Prevalence of “smoking only,” “smokeless only” and “dual use” of tobacco was 40.6%, 15.2%, and 14.2%, respectively. Among all tobacco users, dual users constituted 20%. These dual users had lower educational achievement, rural residence, lower intake of fruit, and higher intake of alcohol. They were more undernourished as indicated by a thin body mass index compared to nonusers and smokers. Dual users were of socioeconomically deprived as measured by wealth quartiles constructed out of household assets. CONCLUSION: Dual use of tobacco is common in Bangladesh, and it is intimately linked with socioeconomic deprivation. Poverty reduction strategy and campaigns should address tobacco control not only tobacco in general, but its dual use in particular.

Smokeless tobacco product prices and taxation in Bangladesh: Findings from the International Tobacco Control Survey.

INTRODUCTION: Smokeless tobacco use occupies a significant portion of overall tobacco consumption in Bangladesh. Yet very little is known about the effectiveness of tax and price policy in controlling the use of smokeless tobacco use in the country. METHODS: The paper examines the price distribution of various smoked (cigarette, bidi) and smokeless tobacco products (zarda, gul) using the univariate Epanechnikov kernel density function. It estimates the own and cross price elasticity of demand for the most widely used smokeless tobacco product zarda using twostep regression analysis. The analysis is based on data from the ITC Bangladesh Wave 3 Survey which is a nationally representative cohort survey of tobacco users and nonusers conducted in in Bangladesh during 2011-12. RESULTS: The price elasticity of lower price brands of zarda is estimated at −0.64 and of higher priced brands at −0.39, and the cross price elasticity of zarda with respect to cigarette price at 0.35. The tax increase on smokeless tobacco needs to be greater than the tax increase on smoked tobacco to bridge the wide price differential between the two types of products that currently encourages downward substitution from smoked to smokeless tobacco and discourages quitting behavior. CONCLUSIONS: This paper argues that increasing tax on smokeless tobacco simultaneously with the tax increase on smoked tobacco can have significant negative impact on the prevalence of smokeless tobacco use in Bangladesh. Finally, a specific excise system replacing the existing ad valorem excise tax can substantially contribute to the revenue collection performance from smokeless tobacco products.

Consumo de tabaco, mortalidad y política fiscal en México / Tobacco consumption, mortality and fiscal policy in Mexico

Objetivo. Analizar el tabaquismo, su impacto en mortalidad por enfermedades crónicas y su política fiscal en México. Material y métodos. Se analizaron las encuestas nacionales de salud (ENSA, ENSANUT), registros de mortalidad y encuestas económicas para el periodo 2000-2012 y se estimaron prevalencia, mortalidad y consumo. Resultados. En 2012, 9.2% de los adolescentes y 19% de los adultos son fumadores activos. Entre 2000 y 2012 la prevalencia de tabaquismo permaneció estable. Sin embargo, la cantidad de cigarros promedio consumida se redujo, al tiempo que se han implementado incrementos al impuesto especial a los productos de tabaco. Las muertes atribuibles al consumo de tabaco por cuatro enfermedades se calculó en cerca de 60 000 para 2010. Conclusiones. El tabaquismo es la principal causa de muerte prevenible. El incremento sustancial de los impuestos a los productos de tabaco puede abatir la epidemia de tabaquismo y en consecuencia la mortalidad por enfermedades crónicas en México.

Objective. To analyze tobacco consumption in the last 12 years, its impact on chronic diseases mortality and the potential benefits of fiscal policy in Mexico. Materials and methods. Through the analysis of national health surveys (ENSA, ENSANUT), records of mortality and economic surveys between 2000 and 2012, smoking prevalence, chronic diseases mortality and consumption were estimated. Results. In 2012, 9.2% and 19% of Mexican youths and adults were current smokers. Between 2000 and 2012, smoking prevalence did not change. However, the average consumption among adolescents and adults declined whilst the special tobacco tax has being increased. Mortality attributable to tobacco consumption for four diseases was estimated in 60 000 in 2010. Conclusions. Tobacco consumption remains the leading cause of preventable death. Increasing taxes on tobacco products could deter the tobacco epidemic and consequently chronic diseases mortality in Mexico.

Smokeless tobacco use in Sri Lanka.

To comprehensively review the issues of smokeless tobacco use in Sri Lanka . This review paper is based on a variety of sources including Medline, WHO documents, Ministry of Health and Nutrition, Colombo and from other sources. Results: The prevalence of smokeless tobacco (SLT) use in Sri Lanka has been reported high, especially among rural and disadvantaged groups. Different smokeless tobacco products were not only widely available but also very affordable. An increasing popularity of SLT use among the youth and adolescents is a cause for concern in Sri Lanka. There were evidences of diverse benign, premalignant, and malignant oral diseases due to smokeless tobacco use in the country. The level of awareness about health risks related to the consumption of smokeless tobacco products was low, particularly among the people with low socio-economic status. In Sri Lanka various forms of smokeless tobacco products, some of them imported, are used. At the national level, 15.8% used smokeless tobacco products and its use is three-fold higher among men compared to women. Betel quid is by far the traditional form in which tobacco is a general component. Other manufactured tobacco products include pan parag/pan masala, Mawa, Red tooth powder, Khaini, tobacco powder, and Zarda. Some 8.6% of the youth are current users of smokeless tobacco. There are studies demonstrating the harmful effects of smokeless tobacco use, especially on the oral mucosa, however, the level of awareness of this aspect is low. The highest mean expenditure on betel quid alone in rural areas for those earning Rs. 5,000/month was Rs. 952. The core issue is the easy availability of these products. To combat the smokeless tobacco problem, public health programs need to be intensified and targeted to vulnerable younger age groups. Another vital approach should be to levy higher taxation.