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Prevalence of smuggled and foreign cigarette use in Tehran, 2009

Publication Source

Heydari, G., Tafti, S.F., Telischi, F. et al. 2010

Publication Title

Tobacco Control

Publication Type

Journal article

e-lib-feature-image

Metadata

Region

Eastern Mediterranean

Economy status

Upper-middle-income economies

Tags Upper-middle-income economies, Iran, Eastern Mediterranean, Journal article

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Abstract

Background Iran is one of two main target markets for tobacco smuggling in the WHO's Eastern Mediterranean Region. The Iranian government has a local tobacco monopoly but there is high demand for international brands. Informal reports show about 20% of cigarette consumption is smuggled brands. This pack survey study is the first in Iran to gather validated information on use of smuggled cigarettes. Methods A randomized cross-sectional household survey in Tehran in 2008–2009 of 1540 smokers aged 16–90 (83% men) was performed, including interviewer checking of cigarette packs. Results In all, 20.9% of cigarettes and 6.7% of domestic branded cigarettes were smuggled. A total of 60.1% of smokers preferred foreign cigarettes. There was no significant difference between consumption of illegal cigarettes by sex. (Fisher exact test p=0.61) Use of smuggled cigarettes was higher among younger smokers (p=0.01) Conclusions Use of illegal cigarettes is high. Tobacco control laws outlawing their sale are not being enforced.