Use of flavoured cigarettes in Poland: data from the global adult tobacco survey (2009–2010)

Dorota Kaleta,Teresa Makowiec-Dąbrowska,Anna Szosland-Fałtyn,Bukola Usidame

doi:10.1186/1471-2458-14-127

Abstract

BackgroundNowadays the European Union faces a debate on the ban of sale of flavoured cigarettes. There is growing evidence that certain subgroups of smokers are more vulnerable to the use of flavoured cigarettes. However in some European countries, figures on the use of these cigarettes are still scarce. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of flavoured cigarettes use in Poland, and examine whether its use among adults varies by socio-demographic characteristics.MethodsData on tobacco use including flavoured cigarettes and other characteristics were derived from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS). GATS is a cross-sectional, household survey implemented in Poland between 2009 and 2010. GATS provided data on a representative sample of 7,840 individuals covering 2,254 current smokers. Logistic regression model was used to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the selected socio-economic variables on the use of flavoured cigarettes.ResultsAmong females the aromatized cigarettes use was 26.1% compared to 10.5% in males (OR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.62–3.2; p ≤ 0.001). Respondents aged 20–29 years had an increased likelihood of using flavoured cigarettes compared to subjects aged 60 years or older (OR = 2.7; 95% CI: 1.1–6.5; p ≤ 0.001). Respondents aware of negative health consequences of smoking had OR = 1.4 95% CI: 1.1–2.1 (p ≤ 0.05) of smoking aromatized cigarettes compared to those who were unaware. Participants who perceived some kinds of cigarettes less harmful than others were also more likely to use flavoured cigarettes compared to subjects who were convinced that all cigarettes are equally harmful (OR = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1–1.8; p ≤ 0.01). High educational attainment, living in large cities, being non-economically active was also associated with use of flavoured cigarettes.ConclusionOur results are consistent with majority of epidemiology studies on this topic to date and should be considered in the enactment of tobacco control legislation at the national as well as European levels. For combating tobacco epidemic, further efforts need to be made to prevent smoking uptake. Ban of flavoured cigarettes could considerably support achieving this goal.

Highlights

Nowadays the European Union faces a debate on the ban of sale of flavoured cigarettes
Male and female, smoke regular cigarettes compared with flavoured cigarettes
Our findings which show higher odds of using flavoured cigarettes among economically non active respondents is probably related to the characteristic of this group covering mostly young people; for example young women occupied with home and child care, pupils or students who as we previously indicated are more prone to use of flavoured cigarettes

Summary

Introduction

Nowadays the European Union faces a debate on the ban of sale of flavoured cigarettes. The main additions to tobacco are sugars, which are present naturally in tobacco leaves, but moisture retaining compounds (humectants), such as glycerol and propylene glycol are added as well They are ingredients which are part of the cigarette paper, the filter, if used, and the glue which holds a cigarette or cigar together. Flavoured cigarettes have a more pleasant taste that makes smoking initiation easier, but the menthol’s cooling and anesthetic effects mask the short-term negative physiological effects of smoking such as throat pain, burning and cough. This provides superficial physical relief as well as psychological assurance against concerns about the health dangers of smoking that would otherwise motivate smokers to quit [13]. A decrease in the number of quitters contributes to the incidence of tobacco-related diseases [13] Menthol smokers, women, perceive the minty aroma of menthol cigarettes to be more socially acceptable than non-flavoured cigarettes; some smokers assume these products are healthier than regular cigarettes

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