BACKGROUND: In Bangladesh, 15 million adults smoke cigarettes (GATS 2017). Despite the relatively high tax rates, cigarettes remain affordable due to lower base-prices, contributing to increase in smoking prevalence, especially among youth. The higher smoking rates largely attributed to selling single-stick cigarettes, which significantly undermines the efficacy of tax measures. Furthermore, purpose of Graphic Health Warnings (GHW) has become ineffective due to selling single-stick cigarettes. This study assesses and addresses the purchasing habits and capabilities of smokers, with an emphasis on the frequency of single-stick cigarette purchases.
METHODS: This quantitative study surveyed through a structured questionnaire. A total 500 smokers responded through Google Forms from January to August 2024, 40% of them were 35+ years, and 60% of them were between 19 to 35 years.
RESULTS: The study found that 70.4% respondents purchased single-stick cigarettes, in contrast to 29.6% who purchased packs. Young groups 62% purchased single-stick cigarettes, compared to 38% of older groups. Also, distinct patterns and motivations associated with cigarette purchasing behaviors among different age groups. The motivations for purchasing single cigarettes included: evading GHWs on cigarette packs (12%), financial constraints preventing the purchase of full packs (51%), a preference to avoid storing or smoking at home (6%), the perception that single cigarettes may help to decrease smoking (25%), and the desire to avoid the burden of carrying full packs (6%).
CONCLUSIONS: Single-stick cigarette sales significantly undermine tobacco control efforts. The ability to buy a single stick rather than a full pack decreases the visibility of smoking habits, making it easier for young smokers to avoid detection by family and friends. The sale of single cigarettes must be prohibited immediately to reduce cigarette consumption, discourage non-smoker youth from initiation. This strategy could play a crucial role in public health initiatives aimed at reducing smoking prevalence and protecting the health of future generations.