E-cigarette: Threat of new dimension of tobacco - marketing, distribution and availability in Dhaka city

Abstract

Objectives: Currently 37.8 million peoples are using tobacco in Bangladesh. Current user of electronic cigarettes in Bangladesh is 0.2 %. Overall 66.2 % adults both men and women current use tobacco but thinking about quitting. The objectives of the study were to identify the market, import, distribution, promotion strategy and pricing policy of e-cigarette in Bangladesh. Methods: Cross sectional study design, qualitative and quantitative approaches, purposive sampling techniques were used to conduct the study. Semi-structured Questioner was used collect the primary data and Observational methods and in-depth interview were used to collect qualitative information. Results: The study found that most of the E-cigarette shops are situated nearby university area. The team found 15 big e-cigarette shops in 4 market area most of the seller started their business within 1-2 years. They sell their product mostly in two ways - one is direct sales and in the other they use online shopping system. Average device was found between 6 to10 types and the price between 550 to 35,000 BDT and the liquid price is 350 to 24,000 BDT. Their market has been rapidly expanding using aggressive marketing tactics. Conclusions: Bangladesh is the first signatory country of FCTC but still now e-cigarette is un-regulated product and Tobacco Control Law has no specific definition regarding e-cigarette that’s why the company aggressively marketing their products. So, Government should ban importing and amendment the law for protecting peoples from danger of tobacco.