Key result
An additional $0.25 per-pack state cigarette excise tax was associated with an estimated 0.6% absolute reduction in population smoking prevalence.
Why the study?
Do increases in state-level excise taxes reduce the prevalence of cigarette smoking in the United States?
Observational (n=5,500,000)
Do increases in state-level excise taxes reduce the prevalence of cigarette smoking in the United States?
Mean Difference: -0.6 (95% CI -0.66–-0.55)
Absolute Risk Reduction: 0.6%
p-value: p=<0.001
Increases in state-level cigarette excise taxes are associated with reduced smoking prevalence, particularly among young adults, serving as an effective public health tool.
May support tax policies for CV risk reduction via lower smoking; leaves open causality and prospective confirmation.
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.
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Sharbaugh et al. (2018) conducted an observational in Cigarette smoking (n=5,500,000). State-level cigarette excise tax increase ($0.25 per pack) vs. Lower or prior tax rate was evaluated on Absolute percent change in smoking prevalence (Beta -0.60, 95% CI -0.66 to -0.55, p=<0.001). An additional $0.25 per-pack state cigarette excise tax was associated with an estimated 0.6% absolute reduction in population smoking prevalence.
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