Month: December 2024

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Alitaptap Foundation, Inc. Study Pioneers Data Gathering Approach to Boost Anti- Smoking Efforts in the Philippines

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  • Groundbreaking data gathering tool provides fresh insights on Filipino smoking behavior.
  • In partnership with Global Action to End Smoking (GAES), Alitaptap Foundation, Inc. has released significant findings aimed at reducing smoking rates and promoting healthier lifestyles across the nation.

Philippine-based research and development group Alitaptap Foundation, Inc. partnered

with Global Action to End Smoking (GAES) to release breakthrough findings that would bolster efforts to reduce smoking rates and promote healthier lifestyles across the nation.

Their latest study, An Assessment of the Effectiveness of Policies, Regulations, and Use of Tob acco and Tobacco Harm Reduction Products on Reducing Tobacco Consumption and PromotingPublic Welfare, used the Direct Choice Experiment (DCE) approach for the first time to explore the attitudes, behavior, and the regulatory landscape surrounding the use of tobacco and tobacco harm reduction products (THRPs).

The research involved 1,979 respondents from diverse social sectors across the country’s major islands.

The Alitaptap research team applied the DCE method in a focused discussion with 479 smokers in the sample group. These respondents were asked to choose between smoking cigarette, vaping, or quitting. They further refined their preferences through a selection of 200 options that combined various attributes, like price, tax, flavor, nicotine levels, and graphic warnings.

Cigarettes remained the top choice among respondents, with price and nicotine levels significantly influencing their preferences. On the other hand, factors like flavor, increases in “sin tax,” and health warnings had little impact on smoking behavior. Nevertheless, it was noted that the demand for cigarettes and vaping products dropped by 7% for every peso increase.

Moreover, the likelihood of quitting increased with age, with the women expressing greater inclination to do so. The choice to vape remains constant with age, with a significant number opting to combine vaping with cigarette smoking.

“This study may open doors to innovative solutions to raise awareness on the linkages of tobacco and THRP use, not only with health but to other important development outcomes. We are happy to have contributed to the GAES’ advocacy for a healthier world,” said Mr. Rovin Feliciano, President of Alitaptap Foundation.

The release of the full study, An Assessment of the Effectiveness of Policies, Regulations, and Use of Tobacco and Tobacco Harm Reduction Products on Reducing Tobacco Consumption and Promoting Public Welfare, will be announced in the Facebook page of Alitaptap Foundation

ABOUT ALITAPTAP FOUNDATION, INC.

Alitaptap Foundation, Inc. is a Philippine research and development group on a mission to empower leaders from the government and private sectors to strategically work together towards building peaceful, happy, and progressive communities. Like its namesake, the firefly, Alitaptap sheds light on specific needs of communities by conducting data-driven studies and developing capacity-building programs that would bring about reforms in the delivery of vital services in the areas of good governance, education, health, and livelihood creation.

ABOUT GLOBAL ACTION TO END SMOKING

Global Action to End Smoking is an independent, U.S. nonprofit grantmaking organization that funds and empowers Health & Science Research, Cessation Education, and Agricultural Transformation designed to end the smoking epidemic and related death and disease.

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Alitaptap Foundation, Inc. study unpacks new insights on smoking in the Philippines

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  • Nationwide study aims to understand and evaluate local patterns and trends in the perception, use, and regulation of tobacco and tobacco harm reduction products (THRPs).
  • Respondents cited health as their top reason for quitting or switching to THRPs. While the majority recognize the dangers of nicotine dependence, the health risks of THRP use are just as alarming.
  • The rising costs of cigarettes and THRPs do not hinder smokers from maintaining their habit.

Philippine research and development group Alitaptap Foundation, Inc., in partnership with Global Action to End Smoking (GAES), present a new study titled, An Assessment of the Effectiveness of Policies, Regulations, and Use of Tobacco and Tobacco Harm Reduction Products on Reducing Tobacco Consumption and Promoting Public Welfare.

The study aims to understand and evaluate local patterns and trends in the perception, use, and regulation of tobacco and tobacco harm reduction products (THRP).

In May 2024, the Alitaptap research team conducted face-to-face interviews with 1,979 respondents across various social sectors in the country’s major islands, from the Ilocos to Metro Manila, and from Negros Occidental to Marawi City.

Findings reveal that the smokers and those who had quit smoking–largely male, single, and employed–are nearly equal in number. The majority started the habit at 18, influenced by friends or family members who smoke; while those who quit cited health reasons and encouragement from family members. A significant number who claimed it difficult to go “cold turkey” have resorted to THRPs, exclusively or as “dual users,” combining regular cigarette sticks with vape products or e-cigarettes.

Health warnings on the risks of nicotine consumption have gained substantial ground but the dangers of THRPs need further highlighting. Despite awareness that THRPs are as addictive as traditional tobacco products, the respondents still do not realize that they can develop tuberculosis, mouth cancer, asthma, or brain disorders with the habitual use of such products.

While health concerns are the primary reason for quitting, respondents suggest that imposing smoking bans in more areas of the country and increasing cigarette tax rates could further discourage the use of tobacco and THRPs. Currently, smokers in the research sample do not seem concerned about the financial costs of their habit, spending a weekly average of P436.55 on cigarettes and P514.32 on vape products.

Mr. Rovin Feliciano, President of Alitaptap Foundation, expressed deep appreciation for the trust that GAES has placed in their research capabilities. “Our team of seasoned experts worked closely with our growing network of local government partners to explore the topic. We hope

that our insights will aid government and private institutions develop effective approaches to educating people on the impact of smoking on their health, finances, and social interactions.”

The release of the full study, An Assessment of the Effectiveness of Policies, Regulations, and Use of Tobacco and Tobacco Harm Reduction Products on Reducing Tobacco Consumption and Promoting Public Welfare, will be announced in the Facebook page of Alitaptap Foundation

ABOUT ALITAPTAP FOUNDATION, INC.

Alitaptap Foundation, Inc. is a Philippine research and development group on a mission to empower leaders from the government and private sectors to strategically work together towards building peaceful, happy, and progressive communities. Like its namesake, the firefly, Alitaptap sheds light on specific needs of communities by conducting data-driven studies and developing capacity-building programs that would bring about reforms in the delivery of vital services in the areas of good governance, education, health, and livelihood creation.

ABOUT GLOBAL ACTION TO END SMOKING

Global Action to End Smoking is an independent, U.S. nonprofit grantmaking organization that funds and empowers Health & Science Research, Cessation Education, and Agricultural Transformation designed to end the smoking epidemic and related death and disease.

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Key Belief on Smoking Dangers

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Survey respondents reveal a key belief about smoking dangers. Are they on the mark, or is the reality more complex?

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Alitaptap Foundation partners with Global Action to End Smoking to clear the air on Filipino smoking behavior

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  • Philippine research and development group, Alitaptap Foundation, Inc. partnered with the Global Action to End Smoking (GAES) to present a new study on the use, manufacture, regulation and sale of tobacco and tobacco harm reduction products (THRPs) in the Philippines.
  • The Alitaptap team conducted face-to-face interviews of 1,979 adult respondents across sectors in the country’s major islands. From this sample group, the team drew valuable understanding of present-day patterns and trends in the adult use, knowledge, and views of tobacco and THRP products, as well as their awareness and attitudes toward government policies that touch on tobacco and THRP consumption.

Smoking remains the world’s leading preventable cause of death, yet quitting is a long-standing struggle for millions. Alitaptap Foundation, Inc. partnered with the Global Action to End Smoking (GAES) to present a new study on the use, manufacture, regulation and sale of tobacco and tobacco harm reduction products (THRPs) in the Philippines.

GAES, formerly known as the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World and founded in 2017, is an independent US-based non-profit organization that counts close to a decade fostering science- based efforts to reduce nicotine dependence through research and education.

Alitaptap Foundation, Inc. is a Philippine research and development group whose mission is to empower leaders from the government and private sectors to strategically work towards building peaceful, happy and progressive communities. Like its namesake, the firefly, Alitaptap sheds light on specific needs of communities through data-driven studies and programs that would spark reforms in such priority areas as good governance, education, health, and livelihood creation.

“We believe that a country that is made whole by islands of good governance is led by leaders who are trusted by their communities,” said Mr. Rovin Feliciano, President of Alitaptap Foundation. “Our team has the experience, the expertise, and a genuine heart to help local leaders move ideas into action.”

Mr. Feliciano furthered that Alitaptap’s data gathering efforts have taken deep dives into their growing network of partner barangays. This enables them to arrive at practical insights to guide local leaders in crafting relevant and targeted community development programs. The Foundation has also provided capability building programs on leadership, public finance, effective service delivery, economic development, and community transformation; and successfully linked local governments with other organizations to support the development needs of their respective communities. The new partnership with GAES should further broaden the Foundation’s scope of influence.

“This is our first time to handle such topic, which posed a healthy challenge for us. We are proud of the resulting white paper, An Assessment of the Effectiveness of Policies, Regulations, and Use of Tobacco and Tobacco Harm Reduction Products on Reducing Tobacco Consumption and Promoting Public Welfare,” affirmed Mr. Feliciano. “We hope that our insights will aid government and private institutions to come up with fresh and effective approaches to educating people on the impact of smoking on their health, finances, and social interactions.”

The team conducted face-to-face interviews of 1,979 adult respondents from a cross-sector sampling of wealthy land owners, employees from government and private companies, college students, blue collar and manual workers, and LGBTQ++ individuals based in Northern Luzon, Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao. From this sample group, the team drew valuable understanding of present-day patterns and trends in the adult use, knowledge, views, and perceptions of tobacco and THRP products; their awareness and views on regulatory policies on tobacco and THRP products; and the nature of the informal tobacco and THRP markets as well as the factors that contribute to their growth.

The release of the full study, An Assessment of the Effectiveness of Policies, Regulations, and Use of Tobacco and Tobacco Harm Reduction Products on Reducing Tobacco Consumption and Promoting Public Welfare, will be announced in the Facebook page of Alitaptap Foundation

ABOUT ALITAPTAP FOUNDATION, INC.

Alitaptap Foundation, Inc. is a Philippine research and development group on a mission to empower leaders from the government and private sectors to strategically work together towards building peaceful, happy, and progressive communities. Like its namesake, the firefly, Alitaptap sheds light on specific needs of communities by conducting data-driven studies and developing capacity-building programs that would bring about reforms in the delivery of vital services in the areas of good governance, education, health, and livelihood creation.

ABOUT GLOBAL ACTION TO END SMOKING

Global Action to End Smoking is an independent, U.S. nonprofit grantmaking organization that funds and empowers Health & Science Research, Cessation Education, and Agricultural Transformation designed to end the smoking epidemic and related death and disease.

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Infographics

Demographics Factors 2

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Ever wondered why some people consume cigarettes and vape products more than others? Survey results show that choices are influenced by more than preference. Discover the demographic factors that drive higher consumption and see where your profile fits.

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Infographics

Demographic Factors

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Certain demographic factors influence smoking habits, while others don’t. Understanding these connections can offer valuable insights into smoking trends. Stay informed and see how your demographic might play a role!

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