Nondaily smokers' reactions to the nation's highest tax

Background: Recent research shows a significant growth in nondaily, or intermittent, smoking, yet little research addresses the impact of tobacco control policies on nondaily smoking. We collected qualitative focus group data from young adult nondaily smokers (NDS) in New York City to describe their responses to cutting-edge tobacco control interventions.

Methods: We recruited 87 young adult smokers between the ages of 18-26 currently residing in New York City. We completed 17 focus groups exploring a range of topics, including responses to recently implemented tobacco-control policies. Video and audio recordings of the focus group session were systematically analyzed using Transana software.

Results: Despite lower consumption levels than daily smokers, NDS are surprisingly sensitive to price. Relying on the informal market, NDS employed diverse strategies to manage costs: purchasing “loosies” (cigarettes sold individually, often mentholated); obtaining cigarettes from nearby states; and rolling cigarettes at home. Purchasing “loosies” was also described as a cessation strategy that discouraged possession of an entire pack. Nondaily smokers additionally discussed the impact of clean air laws and anti-tobacco PSAs on intermittent smoking.

Discussion: Attention to the informal economy of tobacco products suggests the need for enforcement of bans on sale of “loosies.” paired with cost-saving strategies to encourage cessation among nondaily smokers. In the context of a robust informal economy, comprehensive clean air laws and media specifically targeting nondaily smoking may be increasingly important.