Public Support for Tobacco Endgame Policies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Tobacco Control
• Health Policy

Background:

• Many countries are pursuing tobacco endgame strategies to reduce tobacco use.
• High public support is essential for the successful implementation of tobacco control policies.
• Understanding public opinion on endgame policies is key to advancing tobacco cessation efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review public support for tobacco endgame policies.
• To analyze the geographical distribution of relevant studies.
• To examine support among specific populations and the impact of survey design on reported support.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published from 2013 onwards.
• Searched multiple databases (Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) and gray literature.
• Assessed risk of bias using the JBI checklist for prevalence studies.

Main Results:

• Eleven articles were included, with the most studies from Aotearoa/New Zealand and the United States.
• Highest public support was found for mandating very low nicotine content in tobacco products (76%).
• Support was lower among people who smoke compared to the general population and decreased when neutral response options were included in surveys.

Conclusions:

• Public support for the majority of tobacco endgame policies is substantial.
• Assessing public opinion can enhance the political feasibility and implementation of tobacco endgame strategies.
• Further qualitative and trial studies are recommended to refine communication and implementation approaches.