The Display and Advertising of Roll-Your-Own Tobacco at Points-of-Sale in Argentina, Guatemala, Mexico, and Peru

Abstract

Introduction While roll-your-own (RYO) tobacco consumption is highest in Europe, increased sales are reported in Latin America. We are unaware of any research that explores the display and advertising of RYO tobacco in this region. Aims and Methods An observational study was conducted at tobacco-selling points-of-sale (POS, N = 2081) near schools in cities in Argentina, Guatemala, Mexico, and Peru between April and July 2023. In each of the 16 cities (four per country), schools were randomly selected and stratified according to neighborhood socioeconomic status, with all POS located in pre-established routes around schools observed. A codebook was used to assess the display of RYO tobacco and accessories (ie, rolling papers and filters) and the presence of advertising for these products. Logistic regressions were employed to estimate the association between the display of RYO tobacco and accessories (defined as being visible at the points-of-sale) and type of points-of-sale, neighborhood socioeconomic status, and city. Results Apart from a single store in Guatemala, RYO tobacco and accessories were only observed in Argentina, at 110 (21.5%) POS. In Argentina, RYO tobacco and accessories were more likely to be displayed in convenience and neighborhood stores compared to kiosks, in high and middle socioeconomic neighborhoods compared to low socioeconomic neighborhoods, and in Cordoba and Santa Rosa than in Quilmes and San Salvador de Jujuy. Advertising for RYO tobacco (1.8%) and accessories (3.1%) at POS was uncommon. Conclusion This study provides insight into RYO tobacco penetration in multiple Latin American countries, finding that the display of this product is largely restricted to Argentina. Implications Increasing sales of RYO tobacco have been reported in Latin America. Despite this, there is limited academic research on the consumption of RYO tobacco in this region and no research on its presence at the points-of-sale. This study provides insight into RYO tobacco and accessories penetration in Argentina, Guatemala, Mexico, and Peru, finding that the display of this product at points-of-sale is generally limited to Argentina. Continued monitoring of the display and marketing of this product is needed across these countries. Research in Argentina exploring how RYO tobacco and accessories are perceived by smokers and young people would be of value.