Trends and predictors of tobacco product purchasing source in Australia

Background This study examines trends in categories of tobacco suppliers to inform policy such as restricting the type of retailer permitted to sell tobacco. Methods We analysed four waves of national cross-sectional survey data from 10 940 individuals who smoked tobacco from 2013 to 2022/2023. We report the proportion who obtained tobacco from informal sources, supermarkets, tobacconists, convenience stores and hospitality venues. Multinomial logistic regression examined factors associated with source relative to supermarkets. Result Purchasing from supermarkets declined from 51% in 2013 to 35% in 2022/2023; convenience stores remained steady; hospitality venues stayed minimal; while obtaining from tobacconists (17–33%) and informal sources (10–14%) increased. Purchasing from tobacconists was associated with being male (adjusted relative risk ratios (aRRR)=1.15, 95% CIs 1.04 to 1.27) versus female, of low socio-economic status (aRRR=1.24, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.41) versus high metropolitan residence (aRRR=1.54, 95% CI 1.38 to 1.72) versus other and being retired from work (aRRR=1.20, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.38) versus employed. Informal sourcing was associated with younger age (18–24 years aRRR=1.69, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.0) versus older (65+ years) and smoking weekly (aRRR=2.94, 95% CI 2.28 to 3.78) or less than weekly (aRRR=11.57, 95% CI 9.27 to 14.45) versus daily. Informal sourcing (aRRR=1.44, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.74) and purchasing from tobacconists (aRRR=1.31, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.49) were associated with using illicitly traded tobacco. Conclusion Tobacconists have become a major supplier of tobacco in Australia. Purchasing from tobacconists is associated with sociodemographic, behavioural factors and use of illicitly traded tobacco. Informal sources are increasing as a tobacco supply channel for young people and persons who smoke infrequently. Understanding these patterns may inform policies to reduce tobacco supply and availability.