US Study: Tobacco Coupons Set Back Cessation Efforts

Source from:  Duluth (MN) News-Tribune  01/07/2013

Tobacco companies are using aggressive coupon marketing tactics to reduce the likelihood that current smokers will quit, according to new research published in the health journal "Tobacco Control."

This report is the first of its kind to illustrate that cigarette coupons have a negative effect on smoking cessation.

"We know that raising the price of cigarettes encourages smokers to quit. Coupons are a way to bring the price down, and keep people smoking," Dr. Kelvin Choi, a research associate at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, said in a statement. "Smokers who receive these coupons think the tobacco industry cares about their health and well-being, even though tobacco industry documents prove that they know their products are addictive and deadly."

A survey, completed by 2,436 smokers between 2008 and 2010, found that 80 percent of smokers who receive coupons redeem them and 84 percent who redeem coupons are less likely to quit. Nearly half of all smokers receive coupons, and women, younger smokers and heavier smokers are targeted more frequently.

Minnesota is one of 25 states that regulate minimum cigarette prices; however, the use of coupons and promotions is not prohibited. New York is the only state that bans the use of coupons on cigarettes. Enditem