Does tobacco health promotion increase social inequalities?
A long-standing criticism of health promotion as it is usually implemented is that it maintains and, indeed, increases health inequalities. This is because its benefits are more likely to be attained by people in higher socio-economic classes as they have the resources to engage in health-promoting activities. Pleasingly, a new study has demonstrated that population-level tobacco control interventions do not adversely impact on social inequalities in smoking. Specifically: ‘No strong evidence of differential effects was found for smoking restrictions in workplaces and public places, although those in higher occupational groups may be more likely to change their attitudes or behaviour. Smoking restrictions in schools may be more effective in girls. Restrictions on sales to minors may be more effective in girls and younger children. Increasing the price of tobacco products may be more effective in reducing smoking among lower-income adults and those in manual occupations, although there
