Breaking the Bank: Cost of Cigarettes in Vermont

Landvater, Ryan Erik

Item

Breaking the Bank: Cost of Cigarettes in Vermont

Landvater, Ryan Erik

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Abstract

Smoking is still the leading preventable cause of death in the USA with 75% of current smokers expressing a desire to quit, though a meager 2-3% succeed. Previous research has shown that financial incentives for smoking cessation are among the most efficacious. Vermont has implemented high taxation to these ends, though many smokers still do not grasp the financial burden it poses on their discretionary income. A handout was developed that conveys both the cost of smoking at a pack rate over set time frames and provides potential savings rendered by nicotine replacement therapy. The handout will be made available as part of patient instructions printed via the electronic medical record system used by UVM.