Relationships between smoking duration, smoking intensity, hypothetical tobacco price increases, and smoking habit change intention among current smokers in Shanghai

Abstract

Objectives We conducted a cross-sectional study to explore the effect of a hypothetical tobacco retail price increase on smoking habit change intention, and the role of smoking duration and intensity in smoking change intention. Methods In 2016 and 2017, we collected questionnaire data from 36,698 residents aged over 18 years in Songjiang district, Shanghai. Chi-square tests and weighted logistic regression were used for data analyses. Results The prevalence of current smoking was 19.78% (men: 48.36% and women: 0.22%). A total of 10.83% (men: 10.89% and women: 2.04%) and 9.39% of smokers (men: 9.42% and women: 6.12%) expressed the intention to smoke less or quit, respectively, given tobacco retail price increases. If the current tobacco retail price doubled, 75% of smokers stated that they would smoke less and 60% of smokers would consider quitting. Smokers with longer smoking duration and lower smoking intensity were more sensitive to tobacco price increases and more likely to change their smoking habits. Conclusions An increase in tobacco retail prices could induce some smokers to change their smoking behavior, particularly those with longer smoking duration and lower smoking intensity. A tobacco retail price increase is recommended, which should apply to all cigarette brands.