Impact of cigarette taxes on smoking prevalence from 2001-2015: A report using the Behavioral and Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS)

PLoS One. 2018 Sep 20;13(9):e0204416. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204416. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

Objectives: To provide an up-to-date analysis on the relationship between excise taxes and the prevalence of cigarette smoking in the United States.

Methods: Linear mixed-effects models were used to model the relationship between excise taxes and prevalence of cigarette smoking in each state from 2001 through 2015.

Results: From 2001 through 2015, increases in state-level excise taxes were associated with declines in prevalence of cigarette smoking. The effect was strongest in young adults (age 18-24) and weakest in low-income individuals (<$25,000).

Conclusions: Despite the shrinking pool of current smokers, excise taxes remain a valuable tool in public-health efforts to reduce the prevalence of cigarette smoking.

Policy implications: States with high smoking prevalence may find increased excise taxes an effective measure to reduce population smoking prevalence. Since the effect is greatest in young adults, benefits of increased tax would likely accumulate over time by preventing new smokers in the pivotal young-adult years.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Smoking / economics*
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • Smoking Prevention / economics*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*
  • Taxes*
  • Tobacco Products*
  • Tobacco Use Cessation / economics
  • Young Adult

Grants and funding

This work was supported, in part, by a grant from the American College of Cardiology (ACC) to the Pennsylvania Chapter of the ACC. Dr. Mulukutla and Dr. Figueredo serve on the Board of Governors for the ACC. The funder had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.