Category: Publications

Categories
Publications

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

  • Post author By
  • Post date
  • 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.

Categories
Publications

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

  • Post author By
  • Post date

  • 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.