Tobacco price increase and consumption behaviour among male smokers in Saudi Arabia: a community-based study

Abstract

Background: Saudi Arabia doubled its tobacco tax in June 2017. Aims: To examine the association between an increase in tobacco prices and consumption behaviour among current male smokers in Riyadh. Methods: We conducted a community-based study using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to current male smokers aged 15+ years in Riyadh in 2018. The survey included questions on sociodemographic characteristics, tobacco consumption and self-reported chronic health conditions. Results: A total of 1481 participants were included in the final data analysis. After the tobacco tax was doubled, 25.6% of the participants reduced their cigarette consumption and 1.0% quit smoking. The average daily cigarette consumption after enforcing the tobacco tax [19.77, standard deviation (SD) 10.7], was statistically significantly lower than before taxation (21.19, SD 10.8) (P < 0.0001). The calculated price elasticity of demand was −0.20 (inelastic). Employment status (P = 0.002) and per capita gross domestic product purchasing power parity (P = 0.001) were the only statistically significant factors associated with the change in smoking habits. Conclusions: Increasing tobacco prices reduced tobacco consumption by 26.6% among Saudi Arabian male smokers

Impact of taxation policy on tobacco consumption in Saudi Arabia

“…They concluded that there was sufficient evidence to support increases in taxes to achieve a decline in overall and adult tobacco use, induce current users to quit, and reduce the prevalence of use among young people. 27 , 28 Our results are also consistent with a local study published in 2020 29 , 30 and other econometric studies performed in various countries which concluded that tax increases had a significant impact on smoking cessation, especially among heavy smokers, and effectively reduced cigarette use. 31 , 32 A 2014 systematic review of 77 reports, updated in 2020 with 68 additional studies, concluded that a tax-based strategy is, comparatively, one of the most effective measures to achieve the goal of reducing cigarette consumption.…”

Expert Consensus Statements on Smoking Cessation Best Practice in Saudi Arabia

“…In June 2017, Saudi Arabia doubled its tobacco tax, resulting in a significant reduction in cigarette consumption [21]. While this has been a significant step in the right direction, the need for smoking cessation support is clear, with only 4% of attempts to quit tobacco successful without support; this number is doubled by professional support and proven cessation medication intervention [17,18].…”