BACKGROUND: Jordan faces a crisis exacerbated by the widespread availability of illicit cigarettes. This study aimed to assess the tobacco market comprehensively, focusing on socio-demographic factors, smoking behaviors, and the extent of illicit cigarette use.
METHODS: A national household smoker pack examination survey was conducted in three populous governorates in Jordan to enroll eligible participants. The target population included all Jordanian residents (men and women) aged 18 years and older who reported current cigarette smoking, defined as having smoked at least one cigarette in the past 30 days. Two methods were employed for data collection:
Self-Reporting and Pack Examination.
RESULTS: Among 463 participants, 84% were male, and the majority were daily smokers. Males consumed an average of 26.2 cigarettes per day, compared to 25.1 for females. Illicit cigarette purchases was 22.2% of all smokers, with higher prevalence among males (24.4%) compared to females (10.8%). Smokers aged 26-35 and those residing in Amman or AlMafraq were the most likely to purchase illicit cigarettes. The affordability of illicit cigarettes—some priced as low as 0.3 JD per pack—drives consumption. Married individuals and those with higher education levels were more likely to buy illicit cigarettes, suggesting socio-economic complexities influencing consumer behavior. A significant proportion of illicit cigarette packs lacked required health warnings, reducing the effectiveness of public health campaigns. Additionally, the absence of Jordanian tax stamps on these products underscores the regulatory challenges in combating illicit trade. Prominent brands dominate the market. However, the presence of lesser-known brands in the illicit segment reflects the infiltration of smuggled products.
CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the need for targeted policy interventions, including enhanced enforcement of tobacco regulations, public education campaigns, and strategies to reduce the affordability and accessibility of illicit tobacco products. Addressing these issues is vital for improving public health outcomes and safeguarding government revenue from tobacco taxation.