Access to alcohol and tobacco retail outlets and its associated factors among residents of Bangkok, Thailand

BACKGROUND: Alcohol and tobacco use remain major public health concerns in urban settings where retail availability is widespread. This study examined associations between sociodemographic factors, retail access, and alcohol and tobacco purchasing among urban residents in Bangkok. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,000 Thai youth and adults aged 18-60 years using a multi-stage sampling approach with convenience-based household recruitment in the final stage. Alcohol purchasing in the past 12 months and tobacco purchasing in the past 30 days were assessed as binary outcomes. Sociodemographic characteristics and access to retail outlets were collected using a structured questionnaire, allowing multiple responses for outlet access. Associations were examined using Pearson's chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Alcohol and tobacco purchasing were common and were significantly associated with sex, age group, religion, marital status, and educational attainment. Purchasing of both alcohol and tobacco was more commonly reported among males than females and among participants aged 26-40 years compared to other age groups. Monthly income and type of residential community were associated with alcohol purchasing only. Access to physical retail outlets, particularly convenience stores and local community shops, was associated with purchasing of both alcohol and tobacco products. Access to online retailers was significantly associated with tobacco purchasing but not with alcohol purchasing. CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol and tobacco purchasing among urban residents in Bangkok was associated with sociodemographic factors and retail access, highlighting the importance of retail-focused public health policies.