A Griffith University study has found that bans on Tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship (TAPS) are effective in reducing smoking prevalence, which has seen a substantial drop of 20%.

Despite this decrease, Tobacco usage continues to be the second leading cause of death and preventable disease in Australia with the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare finding that it “contributed to 7.6% of disease burden in 2024”. 

Ms Christina Saad from Griffith University’s School of Medicine and Dentistry said the study found that “exposure to bans has a direct impact on youth uptake of smoking with bans de-normalising tobacco usage, reducing social appeal and public acceptance“. 

Image: ShutterShock – Kulkova Daria

Produced By: Maeve Groom

Featured In Story: Ms Christina Saad: Lead Study Author at Griffith University’s School of Medicine and Dentistry

First aired on The Wire, Wednesday 22 January 2025