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. 1998 Sep;88(9):1389-91.
doi: 10.2105/ajph.88.9.1389.

Reactions of adult and teenaged smokers to the Massachusetts tobacco tax

L Biener  1 , R H Aseltine Jr, B Cohen, M Anderka
Affiliations

Reactions of adult and teenaged smokers to the Massachusetts tobacco tax

L Biener et al. Am J Public Health. 1998 Sep.

Abstract

Objectives: This study assessed smokers' reactions to a 25 cents cigarette tax imposed in Massachusetts.

Methods: A statewide telephone survey of 1783 adult smokers and 216 teenaged smokers was conducted.

Results: Among adult smokers, 3.5% reported that they had stopped smoking, owing in part to the price increase; 35% had considered quitting and 19% had attempted to cut the cost of smoking by switching to cheaper brands or cutting down. Among teenagers, 21% had considered quitting and 26% had cut costs. Low-income smokers were more responsive to the price increase than more affluent smokers.

Conclusions: A modest and temporary price increase promoted quitting among adult smokers and reduced cigarette consumption among low-income teenagers.

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