Reactions of adult and teenaged smokers to the Massachusetts tobacco tax.
OBJECTIVE
This study assessed smokers' reactions to a 25 cents cigarette tax imposed in Massachusetts.


METHODS
A statewide telephone survey of 1783 adult smokers and 216 teenaged smokers was conducted.


RESULTS
Among adult smokers, 3.5% reported that they had stopped smoking, owing in part to the price increase; 35% had considered quitting and 19% had attempted to cut the cost of smoking by switching to cheaper brands or cutting down. Among teenagers, 21% had considered quitting and 26% had cut costs. Low-income smokers were more responsive to the price increase than more affluent smokers.


CONCLUSIONS
A modest and temporary price increase promoted quitting among adult smokers and reduced cigarette consumption among low-income teenagers.
Biener
L
L
Center for Survey Research, University of Massachusetts, Boston 02125, USA.
Aseltine
R H
RH
Cohen
B
B
Anderka
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D002648:Child; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D008297:Male; D008404:Massachusetts; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000191:economics* / Q000523:psychology; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology; D013660:Taxes