Tobacco Industry Interference Research Articles

Protecting children from tobacco industry interference.

Protecting children from tobacco industry interference.

Future perspectives for the tobacco industry fight measures using today’s indicators

Tobacco industry, as one of the “commercial” determinants of health, plays its various tactics to increase the number of tobacco users at the global level. Governments with the support of the tobacco control community should focus on reversing the tobacco endgame. Watching out the industry manipulations with the objective and well-known tools like the Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index (GTIII) and MPOWER might be helpful to be proactively responsive to the threats. In this regard, we aimed to compare selected countries’ tobacco control status using these two basic tools. Twenty-four countries’ data were included in the study. Findings have shown that countries’ assessed values did not show a consistency. A country which fully covers the MPOWER criteria can be open to industry interference based on the GTIII values. Such inconsistency emphasized the need for the development of new indicators in the aim of tobacco endgame.

State of the literature discussing smoke-free policies globally: A narrative review.

Despite the success of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), most jurisdictions in the world do not have policies that create 100% smoke-free environments in indoor workplaces, indoor public places, public transport, or other public places. We conducted a narrative review of articles that discuss smoke-free policies and describe the state of the current literature. A search of peer-reviewed and gray literature, published between 1 January 2004 and 30 April 2022, was conducted using PubMed and EMBASE databases. We classified articles based on the location of the policy discussed (WHO region, World Bank income classification) and the environment that was being made smoke-free. Insights related to policy development and implementation, as well as compliance and enforcement, were also identified. The search identified 4469 unique citations; 134 articles met the criteria for inclusion and underwent data extraction by two independent coders. The sample included articles published in or about jurisdictions in each WHO region, in high- and low- and mediumincome countries, and articles that discussed policies regulating smoke-free indoor workplaces, indoor public places, public transport, outdoor/quasi-outdoor environments, and other (unspecified) public places. Some important insights from the literature related to smoke-free policy implementation included tobacco industry interference, the important role of civil society, and the need for effective communication, education, and leadership. Enforcement officials' awareness and training, stakeholders' attitudes and beliefs, and understanding social norms were identified as relevant determinants of effective smoke-free policies. There continue to be challenges for implementing smoke-free policies in jurisdictions throughout the globe, in high- and low- and middle-income countries. The literature includes insights to support 100% smoke-free policies in each environment that must be made smoke-free as per the FCTC.

Association between Tobacco Industry Interference Index (TIII) and MPOWER measures and adult daily smoking prevalence rate in 30 countries

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the impact of tobacco industry interference on the implementation and management of tobacco control and the tobacco epidemic using the Tobacco Industry Interference Index (TIII) and MPOWER—a package of measures for tobacco control—and adult daily smoking prevalence in 30 countries.MethodsThe TIII was extracted from the Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2019 and Global Center for Good Governance in Tobacco Control (GGTC). MPOWER measures and adult daily smoking prevalence rate were extracted from the World Health Organization (WHO) report on the global tobacco epidemic in 2021. We assessed the ecological cross-lagged association between TIII and MPOWER scores and between TIII and age-standardized prevalence rates for adult daily tobacco users.ResultsTobacco industry interference was inversely correlated with a country’s package of tobacco control measures (β = -0.088, P = 0.035). The TIII was correlated with weaker warnings about the dangers of tobacco (β = -0.016, P = 0.078) and lack of enforcement of bans on tobacco advertising promotion and sponsorship (β = -0.023, P = 0.026). In turn, the higher the TIII, the higher the age-standardized prevalence of adult daily tobacco smokers for both sexes (β = 0.170, P = 0.036). Adult daily smoking prevalence in males (β = 0.417, P = 0.004) was higher in countries where the tobacco industry received incentives that benefited its business.ConclusionWhere the interference of the tobacco industries was high, national compliance with the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) was lower, and the prevalence of adult daily smokers higher. National governments and global society must work together to minimize the tobacco industry’s efforts to interfere with tobacco control policies.

Addressing tobacco industry influence in tobacco-growing countries.

Protecting policy-making from tobacco industry influence is central to effective tobacco control governance. The inclusion of industry actors as stakeholders in policy processes remains a crucial avenue to corporate influence. This influence is reinforced by the idea that the tobacco industry is a legitimate partner to government in regulatory governance. Addressing the influence of the tobacco industry demands a focus on the government institutions that formalize relationships between industry and policy-makers. Industry involvement in government institutions is particularly relevant in tobacco-growing countries, where sectors of government actively support tobacco as an economic commodity. In this paper, we discuss how controlling tobacco industry influence requires unique consideration in tobacco-growing countries. In these countries, there is a diverse array of companies that support tobacco production, including suppliers of seeds, equipment and chemicals, as well as transportation, leaf buying and processing, and manufacturing companies. The range of companies that operate in these contexts is particular and so is their engagement within political institutions. For governments wanting to support alternatives to tobacco growing (Article 17 of the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control), we illustrate how implementing Article 5.3, aimed at protecting tobacco control policies from tobacco industry interference, is fundamental in these countries. Integrating Article 5.3 with Article 17 will (i)strengthen policy coherence, ensuring that alternative livelihood policies are not undermined by tobacco industry interference; (ii)foster cross-sector collaboration addressing both tobacco industry interference and livelihood development; and (iii)enhance accountability and transparency in tobacco control efforts.

Preventing and countering the interference of tobacco industry: Recommendations from the Joint Action on Tobacco Control 2.

Preventing and countering the interference of tobacco industry: Recommendations from the Joint Action on Tobacco Control 2.

Commercial tobacco endgame themes in the Australian media from 2000 to 2021

BackgroundConventional tobacco control is dominated by demand-reduction measures, whereas commercial tobacco endgame (endgame) policies address the key drivers that maintain the tobacco epidemic, such as Tobacco Industry interference in policymaking,...

Factors Associated with The Compliance of Tobacco Advertisement, Promotion and Sponsorship (TAPS) Ban in Bali, Indonesia

Introduction: Indonesia is one of the countries with the highest number of tobacco advertisements, promotion, and sponsorship (TAPS) across the globe, which play a significant role in increasing smoking prevalence. Since 2019, Klungkung District has adopted a TAPS ban at point of sale (PoS). Accordingly, this study aims to evaluate compliance with the total TAPS ban at PoS in Klungkung and the factors associated. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Klungkung district from August to October 2021. The survey involved 200 samples of PoS and also the managers, which selected using stratified simple random sampling for registered PoS and a walking protocol for unregistered PoS. Data was collected through observation using a checklist and interview using a structured questionnaire by eight well-trained enumerators. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Results: The study successfully observed 200 PoS and also interviewed 200 PoS managers. The result showed the compliance was 72.5%. Of 9 factors analyzed using regression analysis, it was found that factors associated with the compliance were knowledge and attitude PoS manager toward TAPS ban (OR=11.3; CI:1.233-103.414; p=0.008), perceived of socio-economic impact factor (OR=8.1; CI:3.584-18.400; p<0.01), and tobacco industry interference (OR=2.8; CI:1.441-5.594; p=0,003). Conclusions: Compliance with the TAPS ban at PoS remain sufficient, even though it has not reached the target. Factors mainly associated with the compliance were the attitude of PoS manager, and tobacco industry interference. Hence, socialization and enforcement should be improved and sustained.

Strategies and tactics: what have we NOT learned from decades of tobacco industry interference

Abstract The tobacco industry has historically targeted vulnerable populations to increase its profits and at the expense of health. More recently, the use of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS or vapes) has reached epidemic levels among vulnerable populations such as youth, globally. The vape industry uses similar tactics to advertising and market ENDS products to youth and thus contributing to increasing rates. One particularly targeted population is the youth LGBTQ+ population. In the U.S, young LGBTQ+ individuals have higher rates of ENDS use compared to heterosexuals and are also more likely to initiate ENDS use at a younger age. In this presentation, we will highlight the research to date that has documented the ENDS industry strategies and tactics with a particular focus on young LGBTQ+ populations as a vulnerable targeted population in the US, highlight similarities to the tobacco industry practices and lessons NOT learned, and propose potential prevention and policy strategies going forward.

Understanding and tracking tobacco industry influence in the UK: the United Kingdom tobacco industry interference index 2021-2023

Understanding and tracking tobacco industry influence in the UK: the United Kingdom tobacco industry interference index 2021-2023

The Challenges of Tobacco Fiscal Policy Implementation in Mexico From the Perspective of Key Actors.

Raising tobacco taxes is considered the most effective strategy to avoid smoking initiation and discourage its use, especially among vulnerable groups. However, few low- and middle-income countries have adopted high tobacco taxes. Raising taxes is, therefore, an opportunity to strengthen and accelerate tobacco control. The objective of this study is to analyze the barriers and facilitators to the tobacco tax increase in Mexico. Based on the Governance Analytical Framework, data were generated through 17 in-depth interviews with key intersectoral actors for fiscal policy. The interviews were transcribed and coded according to Hufty's theory of governance. Robust scientific evidence, intersectoral coordination, and the presence of "champions" boosted progress in tobacco control (facilitators). The main barriers were the incomplete implementation of the World Health Organization-Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC) and MPOWER package and lack of commitment ("political will") by government decision makers and legislators, misinformation about the effects of tobacco taxes, and strong tobacco industry interference. Robust evidence is necessary but not sufficient to advance the implementation of the MPOWER (WHO-FCTC) actions. To achieve tobacco tax increases and public policies that protect people from unhealthy products in general, the implementation of policies or legal frameworks against industry interference in the development of public policies is imperative. By analyzing the barriers and facilitators to increasing the tobacco tax in Mexico, this study identifies two key messages: (1) The need to sensitize legislators and the general population to the problem of smoking not only through epidemiological data but also through testimonies that highlight the life experiences and adversities faced by people who smoke. (2) The need for a regulatory framework to prevent industry interference in public affairs and conflicts of interest. The same framework could be very useful for public health policies to control the consumption of ultra-processed food products or alcohol.

Hosting the Tobacco Industry Supply Chain and Political Interference.

We found no comprehensive studies on the location of transnational tobacco and leaf company (TTLC) subsidiaries (business entities they control) or the consequences of their presence on health policy. Here we assess (1) the global reach of TTLCs by mapping their tobacco growing and manufacturing subsidiaries and (2) the relationship between in-country presence of the tobacco industry and their power and interference. Data on subsidiaries were collated through systematic searching for countries' supply chain activities in documents and web pages. Cross-sectional multiple regression analysis was used to assess the association between the number of agricultural and manufacturing TTLCs and the Tobacco Industry Interference score, and the degree to which these were mediated by tobacco control, good governance, and economic importance of tobacco. TTLC supply chain activity had global reach. As the number of TTLCs with tobacco growing and manufacturing activities rose, interference increased significantly. Interference was associated with poorer tobacco control. The association with more TTLCs undertaking final product manufacturing was related to higher-value tobacco exports but was not related to tobacco making a bigger contribution to the economy. TTLCs continue to control the global tobacco supply chain through their globe-spanning subsidiaries. The presence of TTLCs in a country is associated with political interference. Countries should consider their participation in the tobacco supply chain alongside the understanding that they are likely to cede political power to TTLCs, potentially undermining the health of their populations. Tobacco control research has traditionally concentrated on the demand side of tobacco. Our results lend support to calls for more research on the supply of tobacco. Governments should require tobacco companies to provide detailed, up-to-date information in an easily accessible format on in-country supply chain activities. Policymakers should take the likelihood of political interference in health and environmental policy into account when making decisions about foreign direct investment offered by the tobacco industry.

Advocacy counterstrategies to tobacco industry interference in policymaking: a scoping review of peer-reviewed literature

BackgroundThere has been remarkable tobacco control progress in many places around the globe. Tobacco industry interference (TII) has been identified as the most significant barrier to further implementation of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). Civil society has been recognised as a key actor in countering TII. While TII has been extensively studied for several decades now, there is little research that focuses on counteractions to limit it and their effectiveness to do so. This scoping review seeks to map the peer-reviewed literature on civil society’s activities of countering TII in policymaking to identify common counterstrategies and assess their effectiveness.MethodsData sources: We searched Embase, IBSS, JSTOR, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science using the following terms: (“Tobacco industry” OR “Tobacco compan*”) AND. (“corporate political activity” OR “CPA” OR “lobbying” OR “interference”) AND (“advoca*” OR “counter*” OR “activi*”), without time or language restrictions. Study selection: Our selection criteria included peer-reviewed studies that were written in English, German, or Spanish that drew on primary data and/or legal and policy documents and reported at least one specific example of civil society members or organisations countering tobacco industry action-based strategies. Data extraction: Advocates’ counterstrategies were analysed inductively and countered industry strategies were analysed using the Policy Dystopia Model (PDM). Perceptions of effectiveness of countering attempts were analysed descriptively.ResultsWe found five common counterstrategies among 30 included papers covering five WHO regions; 1. Exposing industry conduct and false claims; 2. Accessing decision-makers; 3. Generating and using evidence; 4. Filing a complaint or taking legal action; 5. Mobilising coalition and potential supporters. These counterstrategies were used to work against a wide range of industry strategies, which are captured by five action-based strategies described in the PDM (Coalition Management, Information Management, Direct Access and Influence, Litigation, Reputation Management). While some studies reported the outcome of the countering activities, their impact remained largely underexplored.ConclusionThe review shows that peer-reviewed literature documenting how civil society actors counter TII is scarce. It suggests that advocates employ a range of strategies to counter TII in its different forms and use them flexibly. More work is needed to better understand the effects of their actions. This could stimulate discussions about, and facilitate learning from, past experiences and help to further enhance advocates’ capacity.

From the international tobacco control arena to the local context: a qualitative study on the tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship legislative environment in Sudan and the challenges characterising it

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess the Sudanese tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship (TAPS) legislative environment and the challenges characterising it. We formulated three research questions: What is...

Achieving a tobacco-free Bangladesh by 2040: a qualitative analysis of the tobacco advertising environment and prohibitions in Bangladesh

ObjectivesThis paper explores the Bangladeshi tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship (TAPS) legislative environment, to highlight any potential policy loopholes and to facilitate the identification of additional provisions for inclusion. The...

Tobacco industry interference to undermine the development and implementation of graphic health warnings in Bangladesh

BackgroundIn Bangladesh, the 2013 Amendment of the Tobacco Control Act made graphic health warnings (GHWs) on the upper 50% of all tobacco packs obligatory. However, at the time of writing...

No government is immune from tobacco industry interference: Lessons from Canada’s COVID-19 vaccine collaboration with Philip Morris

No government is immune from tobacco industry interference: Lessons from Canada’s COVID-19 vaccine collaboration with Philip Morris

E-cigarette regulation: Is it time for a new Framework Convention on Tobacco Control?

E-cigarette regulation: Is it time for a new Framework Convention on Tobacco Control?

Unpacking complexities surrounding tobacco control policy formulation and tobacco industry interference in South Africa: a qualitative study

Unpacking complexities surrounding tobacco control policy formulation and tobacco industry interference in South Africa: a qualitative study

Tobacco industry interference in low- and middle-income countries: Adapting the Policy Dystopia Model

Tobacco industry interference in low- and middle-income countries: Adapting the Policy Dystopia Model