Socioeconomically disadvantaged smokers’ ratings of plain and branded cigarette packaging: An experimental study

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to test the potential impact of plain packaging for cigarettes on brand appeal among highly socioeconomically disadvantaged smokers using the new design for cigarettes implemented in Australia, which combines plain packaging with larger health warning labels. DESIGN: A 2x2 factorial design trial embedded within a cross-sectional computer touchscreen survey. Data were collected between March and December 2012. SETTING: Socially disadvantaged welfare aid recipients were recruited through a large Social and Community Service Organisation in New South Wales, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: N=354 smokers. The majority of the sample had not completed high school (64%), earned..