Relationships between smoking duration, smoking intensity, hypothetical tobacco price increases, and smoking habit change intention among current smokers in Shanghai

OBJECTIVES: We conducted a cross-sectional study to explore the effect of a hypothetical tobacco retail price increase on smoking habit change intention, and the role of smoking duration and intensity in smoking change intention. METHODS: In 2016 and 2017, we collected questionnaire data from 36,698 residents aged over 18 years in Songjiang district, Shanghai. Chi-square tests and weighted logistic regression were used for data analyses. RESULTS: The prevalence of current smoking was 19.78% (men: 48.36% and women: 0.22%). A total of 10.83% (men: 10.89% and women: 2.04%) and 9.39% of smokers (men: 9.42% and women: 6.12%) expressed the intention to smoke less or quit, respectively, given tobacco retail price increases. If the current tobacco retail price doubled, 75% of smokers stated that they would smoke less and 60% of smokers would consider quitting. Smokers with longer smoking duration and lower smoking intensity were more sensitive to tobacco price increases and more likely to change their smoking habits. CONCLUSIONS: An increase in tobacco retail prices could induce some smokers to change their smoking behavior, particularly those with longer smoking duration and lower smoking intensity. A tobacco retail price increase is recommended, which should apply to all cigarette brands.