Work

Cigarette Prices in Military Retail: A Review and Proposal for Advancing Military Health Policy

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States and has been shown to significantly harm the combat readiness of military personnel. Unfortunately, recent research showed that cigarettes are sold at substantial discounts in military retail outlets. In fact, the military is the only retailer that consistently loses money on tobacco. Cheap tobacco prices have been identified by enlisted personnel and Department of Defense health policy experts as promoting a culture of tobacco use in the U.S. Military. This article provides an analysis of why current military tobacco pricing policy has failed to eliminate cheap tobacco prices as an incentive for use. A rationale for increasing tobacco prices also is presented along with recommendations for improved military tobacco control policy.

Source: Military Medicine

DOI: 10.7205/milmed-d-12-00517

Authors: Christopher K. Haddock, Sara A. Jahnke, Walker S.C. Poston, Larry N. Williams

Institutions: National Development and Research Institutes, Midwestern University

Language: English

Topic: Smoking Behavior and Cessation

Subfield: Physiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Cancer Institute