| Summary: | Introduction
Tobacco smoking is one of the leading causes of death and disability in
the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Despite implementation of
some tobacco control measures, youth continue to initiate smoking. This narrative
review outlines how tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship (TAPS) may
influence smoking attitudes and uptake among youth in the region.
Methods
Nine electronic databases were searched on EBSCOhost to identify
studies published up until December 2019. All studies published in English
that investigated youth smoking and TAPS in ASEAN countries were included.
Thematic analysis was used to investigate the influence of TAPS on youth smoking.
Results
Thirty-seven studies were identified. This research showed that youth were
exposed and receptive to tobacco advertising, which may contribute to positive
attitudes towards tobacco brands and smoking. Studies also demonstrated that
youth were exposed to point-of-sale (POS) advertisements or promotions and
individual sales promotions. However, little research has explored how these
strategies influence attitudes and consumption behaviors among youth, or, how
online advertising and cigarette packet branding may influence youth smoking.
Conclusions
Youth in ASEAN countries continue to be exposed to TAPS, particularly
through POS advertisements or promotions and individual sales promotions.
There is also cause for concern about ‘below-the-line’ advertising and the
increasing role of cigarette packaging as a promotional tool. These findings
support calls for all ASEAN countries to ratify the Framework Convention on
Tobacco Control (FCTC), introduce comprehensive bans on all forms of tobacco
advertising, including POS advertising and cigarette pack displays, and implement
plain packaging legislation for tobacco products.
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