The impact of tobacco control policies in Albania

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of a tobacco control law adopted in Albania in 2007 and to estimate the share of illicit cigarettes on the market.DesignComparative analysis of two waves of a nationally representative household survey, one conducted before the new law went into effect and the other after 2 years. Official sales data were contrasted with the consumption estimate based on the survey.Main outcome measuresSmoking prevalence, quit attempts, exposure to cigarette advertising, exposure to second-hand smoke, total cigarette consumption, share of illicit packs among packs possessed by smokers.ResultsDespite the adoption of strong smoke-free policies and adverting restrictions, smoking prevalence in Albania has risen. The increase in prevalence has been driven by higher smoking rates among females (18.9% in 2007 vs 29.3% in 2009) and young adults (23.2% in 2007 vs 38.5% in 2009 among 18–19 year olds). Self-reported exposure to second-hand smoke and cigarette advertising have been reduced since 2007. The majority of respondents are still exposed to second-hand smoke and more than half are exposed to tobacco advertising. Nevertheless, there are signs that the consumption of illicit cigarettes is declining.ConclusionsThe impacts of smoke-free policies and an advertising ban have been limited due to lack of enforcement and failure to adopt a comprehensive set of tobacco control measures. These measures should include sizeable and regular tobacco tax increases in excess of the general level of inflation and income growth. The decline in the share of illicit cigarettes should improve the effectiveness of the cigarette tax policy.

Second-hand smoke exposure in different types of venues: before and after the implementation of smoke-free legislation in Guangzhou, China

“…Exposure to SHS has decreased greatly in the indoors of public places in Uruguay after the implementation of a comprehensive smoke-free legislation 11. The survey in Albania also found a significant decline in SHS exposure in government offices (from 59% to 26%) and medical facilities (from 35% to 8%) after the adoption of strong smoke-free policies 12. Consistent with the above previous studies, this study found a significant reduction in overall SHS exposure in these full ban places, especially among cultural venues, government offices and commercial venues.…”

“…The effect of the smoke-free policies on SHS exposure should be understood in the context of a good tobacco control atmosphere 12 28. A previous study has reported that decreases in self-reported SHS found in Mexico were due to the higher exposure to radio and television smoke-free campaigns, which were aired to support the smoke-free legislation 28.…”

Comprehensive tobacco marketing restrictions: promotion, packaging, price and place

“…22–24 For example, months after the UK banned most forms of advertising, promotion and sponsorship, awareness of marketing decreased in the regulated channels, and more so than in Australia, Canada and the USA, where the ban was not enforced. 23 Although the rate of decline tapered over subsequent years, the differences between marketing exposure among smokers in the UK and the other three countries persisted.…”

Reported Maternal Styles and Substance Use: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Educated Albanian Young Adults

“…For instance, studies documented a very big increase in smoking rates in just 2 years from 23.2% in 2007 to 38.5% in 2009 (Zaloshnja, Ross, & Levy, 2010). Moreover, the latest estimate from the Institute of Public Health was that one of five Albanians consumes alcohol on everyday basis Zaloshnja et al, 2010). Although systematic data for illegal substance use are missing, the growing rates of drug trafficking within the country suggest that this problem might also be developing at very fast rates (Thuy, 2012).…”

“…For instance, studies documented a very big increase in smoking rates in just 2 years from 23.2% in 2007 to 38.5% in 2009 (Zaloshnja, Ross, & Levy, 2010). Moreover, the latest estimate from the Institute of Public Health was that one of five Albanians consumes alcohol on everyday basis Zaloshnja et al, 2010).…”