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- Title
The effects of the pandemic on smoking behaviors in a border region of Turkey where access to low-price tobacco products is easier.
- Authors
Karadoğan, Dilek; Telatar, Tahsin G.
- Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study is to assess the effect of the pandemic on smoking patterns in the border regions of Turkey, where access to cheaper tobacco products is easier. METHODS Data from a cross-sectional convenience sample of adults (n=204) were collected between 1 July and 1 August 2021, via face-to-face interviews, immediately after the opening of the borders. Approval to perform the study was provided by the Hopa District Governorship and the University Ethics committee. Data were collected using a single-page data collection form containing 26 questions. RESULTS Of the 204 participants, 75% were male, and the mean age was 38.6 ± 11.6 years. The ratio of smokers using non-cigarette tobacco products increased from 3.9% to 6.4%. While the percentage of smokers using roll-yourown tobacco was 2.5%, this increased to 6.8%. In contrast, tobacco product purchases from duty-free shops decreased from 10.2% to 2.5%, while those using non-taxed foreign cigarettes decreased from 3% to 0% (p<0.05). Regarding the amount of tobacco consumed, 65% of the participants reported no change, 21% reported increased use, and 14% reported a decrease in tobacco use. No significant difference was found between tobacco consumption during the pandemic and the economic conditions of the participants (p=0.72). However, the participants who opted for cheaper tobacco products reported experiencing financial difficulties during the pandemic (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS There was no change in smoking behaviors in most participants during the pandemic period. Despite the changes in the economic conditions, no significant relationship was found between the amounts of tobacco consumed; however, product switching did take place to alternative cheaper products.
- Subjects
TURKEY; SMOKING; COVID-19 pandemic; BORDERLANDS; TOBACCO products
- Publication
Population Medicine, 2022, Vol 4, p1
- ISSN
2654-1459
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.18332/popmed/154878