Impact of tobacco outlet density and proximity on smoking cessation: a longitudinal observational study in two English cities

Health Place. 2014 May:27:45-50. doi: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2014.01.008. Epub 2014 Jan 27.

Abstract

A previous study conducted in the USA reported an association between residential proximity to a tobacco outlet and reduced likelihood of a quit attempt enduring beyond six months. We replicated this study in an English urban setting using data on 611 smokers motivated to quit, of whom 66 were biochemically validated as being quit at six months. Sustained quitting at six months was unrelated to residential proximity of a tobacco outlet. Future studies would be improved by the use of validated mappings of retail outlets, mapped in relation to multiple activity spaces, not just residence.

Keywords: Availability; Density; Proximity; Retail outlet; Tobacco.

Publication types

  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cities / epidemiology
  • Cities / statistics & numerical data
  • England / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Geographic Information Systems
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • Smoking Cessation / statistics & numerical data*
  • Tobacco Products / supply & distribution*