Resumen

SUAREZ LUGO, Nery. Market for and consumption of cigarettes in Cuba and the choice between tobacco and health. Rev Cubana Salud Pública [online]. 2014, vol.40, n.3, pp. 331-344. ISSN 0864-3466.

Introduction: the market study-based characterization of cigarette consumption and its relationship with prices and ways of marketing may provide necessary elements to support the public policies for the reduction of smoking and the improved wellbeing of the population. Objectives: to describe the consumption of cigarettes in 2013 in comparison with that of 2012, its relationship with prices and ways of marketing and to characterize the cigarette market and segmentation. Methods: observational and descriptive study using time series aggregate data. Results: the per capita cigarette consumption in 2013 increased by 4.8 % if compared with that of 2012; the average price grew by 1.7 % resulting from higher sales in Cuban convertible pesos with no significant impact on the consumption; the cigarette market in Cuban pesos remains the first choice for the Cuban population whereas "Criollo" brand is the most requested. Conclusions: the rise of cigarette consumption in 2013 after a comparison with that of 2012 may be considered as the starting of a new growing tendency that keeps the choice of purchasing cigarettes with the national currency. The increase of prices in such amounts that do not control demand and the rise of the incomes of some Cuban population segments are encouraging economic factors for smoking. The market segmentation provides the required arguments for drawing up a cigarette demand-reducing strategy.

Palabras clave : smoking; price; consumption; Cuba.

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