Attitudes toward tobacco and nicotine control policies in Italy: insights from a 2024 national survey
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: This study assesses the Italian population's support for innovative tobacco control policies, which aims at reducing use of nicotine-containing products and exposure to secondhand smoke and aerosol.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 among a representative sample of 3125 Italian adults. We assessed support on banning tobacco sales to people born after a certain year (Smoke-Free Generation, SFG), raising the minimum age for purchasing tobacco to 21 years (Tobacco 21, T21), substantially increasing tobacco taxation, banning electronic cigarettes (e-cigarette) and heated tobacco products (HTP) in indoor public places and workplaces, and prohibiting tobacco and e-cigs advertising.
RESULTS: Support for tobacco control policies was 67.0% for the SFG policy, 72.9% for the T21 policy, 61.5% for a tax increase, 80.8% for a ban on indoor e-cigarette and HTP use in public places and 81.7% in workplaces, respectively, and 78.2% for an advertising ban for all nicotine products. Support for all policies increased with age (P-values for trend ranging from <0.001 to 0.037) and was significantly lower among current smokers (support ranging from 17.9% to 59.7%). E-cigarette users showed lower support for a SFG (32.4%) and advertising bans (41.4%), while HTP users were less supportive of all policies except the T21 policy (support ranging from 13.2% to 43.9%).
CONCLUSION: In Italy, strong public support exists for new tobacco control laws, especially among…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 3,125 participants or records.
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