REACTIONS OF ADULT AND TEENAGED SMOKERS TO THE MASSACHUSETTS TOBACCO TAX

Objectives. This study assessed smokers' reactions to a 25c cigarette tax imposed in Massachusetts. Methods. A statewide telephone survey of 1783 adult smokers and 216 teenaged smokers was conducted. Results. A mong adult smokers, 3.5% reported that they had stopped smoking, owing in part to the price increase; 35% had considered quitting and 19% ha d attempted to cut the cost of smoking by switching to cheaper brands or cutting down. Among teenagers, 21% had considered quitting and 26% had cut costs. Low-income smokers were more responsive to the price in crease than more affluent smokers. Conclusions. A modest and temporary price increase promoted quitting among adult smokers and reduced ciga rette consumption among low-income teenagers.