Uncovering TAPS strategies of the tobacco industry at PoS in low- and middle-income countries: the case of Turkey.

Abstract

This study aims to uncover strategies executed by the tobacco industry against tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship (TAPS) bans at points of sale (PoS) in Turkey. The data are based on a field study conducted in the city of Izmir. There are 10750 PoS in all of Izmir; the 6200 PoS in the 11 central districts were considered as potential subjects. Using a proportional sampling method (95% confidence interval, 5% margin of error), it was calculated that 384 PoS could adequately represent the whole. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with PoS administrators, using survey form consisting of 53 questions. Descriptive statistics methods have been used to analyze the data. Of a total of 384 PoS visited; 96.4% featured at least one type of display/TAPS ban violation, 94.5% featured display settings creating brand dominance on display units, 76.7% received promotional payments and 14.8% received free tobacco products for featured display settings. Additionally, 29.2% of PoS had tobacco product displays visible from outside, 26.8% sold tobacco products on the counter, 24.7% featured advertising items on display units, 19.3% sold tobacco products as single stick and 11.7% had price tags with fonts larger than the legally fixed 20 pt. An official institution specializing in tobacco control must be established to continually inspect the tobacco market. Tobacco products must stay hidden, in closed cupboards or under the counter, and communication between PoS and tobacco industry must be limited. In addition, tobacco products must be distributed by government institutions rather than the industry.