This report provides an overview of the projected impacts of a policy that bans or restricts the use of flavors in tobacco products as well as evidence-based policy recommendations for maximizing public health benefits and minimizing unintended consequences.
Health warning labels (HWLs) can help diminish the appeal of of packaging and communicate risked from tobacco use. In November 2018, 15 focus group discussion were conducted in Mexico City, Mexico to examine the ways in which cigarette packs appeal to adolescents and young adults and how the pack features affect perceptions of the HWLs.
In 2008, India banned smoking in many public places and workplaces including healthcare settings, educational institutes, and government facilities. A provision in the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) permits Designated Smoking Rooms (DSRs) in hotels (having 30 or more rooms), and restaurants/lounges (having seating capacity for 30 or more). DSRs are required to meet specific design standards including being a separate room and having a closed door. DRS are further required to have signage indicating the room was a smoking area.
In a 2016 study, our team found that pictorial health warning labels (HWLs) with messages about smokers harming others were more effective than messages about smokers harming themselves. To test the effectiveness of pictorial HWLs with more specific messagea about smokers harming others, we conducted a follow-up survey in Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen in 2017. The new HWLs tested included messages about self-harm, harming family or children, harming others in smoke-free places, and anti-cigarette gift giving.
Second-hand smoke in the home, even those with children present, is a major public health issue in China. Households with children were more likely to limit smoking to certain areas of the home but not ban it altogether. See the results from a study in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzen.
In March, IGTC collaborated with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and Códice S.C. (Comunicación, Diálogo y Conciencia S.C.) in Mexico to observe tobacco marketing and promotion at points-of-sale in Mexico City. This work examined compliance with the Mexican General Law on Tobacco Control regarding age restriction signage, prohibition of single stick sales, and display of graphic health warnings at the point-of-sale. The report concludes that the Mexican government needs to adopt a comprehensive ban on tobacco marketing at the point-of-sale and enforce compliance with the law.
IGTC worked in collaboration with the American Cancer Society, the Pan-American Health Organization, and CONADIC (Comisión Nacional Contra Las Addiciones) to support the research of Belén Sáenz de Miera Juárez (Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur) and Luz Myriam Reynales Shigematsu (Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública). This comprehensive, independent study found that the consumption of illicit cigarettes in Mexico is much lower than what the tobacco industry claims (8.8% vs 17%).
Every year, on 31 May, the World Health Organization (WHO) and global partners celebrate World No Tobacco Day (WNTD). The annual campaign is an opportunity to raise awareness on the harmful and deadly effects of tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure, and to discourage the use of tobacco in any form.
IGTC partnered with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK) and the Comisión Nacional Permanente de Lucha Antitabáquica (COLAT), a network of tobacco control advocacy organizations in Peru, to conduct a follow-up study of tobacco product availability and advertising at the point-of-sale (POS). This study found a high concentration of tobacco retailers in close proximity to 106 primary and secondary schools across Lima.
The evidence surrounding tobacco 21 policy has grown in recent years in terms of public support, public health and financial impact, and compliance. The purpose of this short report is to provide an overview of the most recent evidence concerning tobacco 21 policy as it relates to these topics.