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Change in smoking intentions of university students in New Zealand following simulated cigarette price increases: results of the first of two cross-sectional surveys.

AIM
Increasing cigarette prices is one of the most effective strategies to reduce smoking. This study examined changes in smoking intentions of university students following simulated price increases.


METHOD
Data came from a 2018 cross-sectional survey of university students. The sample comprised 187 current smokers (47% aged <21 years, 53% ≥21 years; 60% male, 40% female; 10% Māori, 90% non-Māori and 18% current vapers). Students were asked how their smoking behaviour would change if the price of a packet of their regular cigarettes or RYO tobacco was increased by $5.00, $10.00, $15.00 or >$15.00.


RESULTS
The proportion of students who would smoke the same amount declined substantially, while students who would switch to e-cigarettes increased by large margins at price increases of $5.00, $10.00 and $15.00. Quit intentions increased at all price levels, but were stronger among younger students and females. Males were almost twice as likely to switch to e-cigarettes as females. Overall, more students would quit than switch to e-cigarettes.


CONCLUSION
Results show that increasing cigarette prices by ≥$15.00 per packet could lead to significant reductions in smoking among university students. Follow-up data is required to assess the differential effects of price increases on vaping.