Investigation on tobacco advertising for tobacco outlets in cities in part of China (2016, 2019)

• Published in: Tobacco induced diseases Vol. 19; no. 1
• Main Authors: Xu, Guihua, Yin, Rongxiu, Zhang, Bing, Pei, Tianhong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Heraklion European Publishing 02.09.2021
• Subjects: Advertising; Cigarettes; Cities; Electronic cigarettes; Minors; Point of sale; Polls & surveys; Prohibition; Sales; Smoking; Tobacco; Towns; China
• ISSN: 1617-9625; 1617-9625
• DOI: 10.18332/tid/141064

Introduction: Investigation on tobacco advertising for tobacco outlets in cities in Part of China. Objectives: To evaluate the situation of tobacco advertising at the point of sale to provide the basis for the government to strengthen the supervision of tobacco advertising Methods: In 2016, 1236 tobacco outlets in 11 cities, in 2019 741 tobacco outlets in 8 cities and 10 counties/towns, different types of tobacco outlets(supermarkets, convenience stores, specialty stores) were selected. An observation form was developed to record the number,relevant tobacco advertising,promotion and signs prohibiting sales cigarettes to minors (prohibition signs) information,the presence of minors in the selected places, and whether to sell e-cigarettes. The methods and contents of the two surveys were the same. Results: In 2016, tobacco outlets(n=1236): It was observed that nearly 46% of tobacco outlets had tobacco advertisements, 4% had promotional activities, and 30% didn't display "prohibition signs". In 2016, tobacco outlets(n=741): Tobacco advertising was observed in nearly 64% of the observed places; Among them, tobacco advertisements were found in nearly 65% of the observed places in cities and 56% in counties/towns.30% of the outlets found sales promotion. It was observed that 58% of tobacco outlets did not display "prohibition signs", also found that 4% of tobacco outlets in the city had seen minors entering stores to buy cigarettes;23% of sales outlets in counties and towns were selling e-cigarettes. In 2019, compared with 2016, the number of tobacco advertisements increased by 19 percentage poinst; the number of promotions increased by 21 percentage point; the number of banned signs increased by nearly 12 percentages point. Conclusion(s): The results of two surveys in 2019 and 2016 showed that advertising, promotion and display of prohibited signs at the point of sale of tobacco showed an upward trend. As many as 23% of tobacco outlets in counties/towns sell e-cigarettes, which brings new hidden dangers to tobacco control.