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Nowicka J, Balwicki L. Heated tobacco products and cigarette marketing in nightclubs in Gdansk, Poland: A mixed-methods analysis. Tob Prev Cessat 2024; 10:TPC-10-01. [PMID: 38188060 PMCID: PMC10768186 DOI: 10.18332/tpc/174573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although advertising and promotion of tobacco products in Poland are prohibited, tobacco companies exploit legal loopholes and insufficient enforcement of the laws to conduct their marketing. To reach young adults, advertisements are placed in entertainment and social venues. This aspect of tobacco product marketing in Poland remains under-researched. The main aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence and characteristics of advertising and promotion of tobacco products in nightclubs in Gdansk, a large city in northern Poland. METHODS We conducted a single-center observational study of nightclubs in Gdansk, between July and October 2022. Two independent observers visited 30 nightclubs and collected information using pre-prepared research form. The occurrences of tobacco branded bar accessories, logo signs, package displays and other forms of advertising and promotion were recorded. Where possible, photographs of visible marketing displays were taken. RESULTS Advertising of tobacco products was present in 2/3 of the nightclubs observed. The most commonly advertised product category were heated tobacco products. Tobacco brand representatives promoted and offered consumers free tobacco product samples. Multi-level marketing activities were observed, including tobacco branded bar accessories, prominent sale points and tobacco brand logo signs. CONCLUSIONS The majority of nightclubs observed in Gdansk advertise and promote tobacco products. The ban on tobacco advertising and promotion is being violated in nightclubs, where the most commonly advertised products are heated tobacco products. The authorities should take steps to extend the bans to cover private promotion and enforce the law to protect high-risk individuals from smoking initiation and relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Nowicka
- Department of Public Health and Social Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Lukasz Balwicki
- Department of Public Health and Social Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
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Levy DT, Cadham CJ, Li Y, Yuan Z, Liber AC, Oh H, Travis N, Issabakhsh M, Sweanor DT, Sánchez-Romero LM, Meza R, Cummings KM. A Decision-Theoretic Public Health Framework for Heated Tobacco and Nicotine Vaping Products. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13431. [PMID: 36294011 PMCID: PMC9602493 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Markets for nicotine vaping products (NVPs) and heated tobacco products (HTPs) have grown as these products became positioned as harm-reduction alternatives to combusted tobacco products. Herein, we present a public health decision-theoretic framework incorporating different patterns of HTP, NVP, and cigarette use to examine their impacts on population health. Our framework demonstrates that, for individuals who would have otherwise smoked, HTP use may provide public health benefits by enabling cessation or by discouraging smoking initiation and relapse. However, the benefits are reduced if more harmful HTP use replaces less harmful NVP use. HTP use may also negatively impact public health by encouraging smoking by otherwise non-smokers or by encouraging initiation or relapse into smoking. These patterns are directly influenced by industry behavior as well as public policy towards HTPs, NVPs, and cigarettes. While substantial research has been devoted to NVPs, much less is known about HTPs. Better information is needed to more precisely define the health risks of HTPs compared to cigarettes and NVPs, the relative appeal of HTPs to consumers, and the likelihood of later transitioning to smoking or quitting all products. While our analysis provides a framework for gaining that information, it also illustrates the complexities in distinguishing key factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- David T. Levy
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Christopher J. Cadham
- Department of Health Management and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Yameng Li
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Zhe Yuan
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Alex C. Liber
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Hayoung Oh
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Nargiz Travis
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Mona Issabakhsh
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - David T. Sweanor
- Centre for Health Law, Policy & Ethics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
- Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | | | - Rafael Meza
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z1L3, Canada
| | - K. Michael Cummings
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of Charleston, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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