Young smokers’ adaptation to higher cigarette prices: How did those daily smokers who did not quit react? The case of students of South-Eastern France

Abstract

Aims: We present the results of a cross-sectional survey that investigates young smokers’ reactions to an increase in cigarette prices in France, and the factors associated with these reactions.

Methods: This survey was carried out in 2005–2006, in South-Eastern France, among first-year university students (response rate: 71%, N = 1723).

Findings: Among the 427 current daily smokers, 32% did not react to the increase, 33% reduced the cost of smoking (they purchased cigarettes in foreign countries or smuggled cigarettes, turned to a cheaper brand or to hand-rolled cigarettes) and 35% reduced their consumption or tried to quit. Daily smokers with low-educated parents were less likely to react to the price increase, as well as those with psychological distress. Students with financial difficulties were more prone to diminish the cost of smoking, while students who suffered from being apart from family were less likely to reduce their consumption.

Conclusions: Further research is needed to better understand the diversity and heterogeneity of young smokers’ reaction to cigarette price increase, in relation to their socio-economic background and their motivations for smoking.