The association between the density of retail tobacco outlets, individual smoking status, neighbourhood socioeconomic status and school locations in New South Wales, Australia

• There is an association between retail tobacco outlet density and individual smoking status.
• Socio-economic disadvantage and tobacco outlet density are positively associated.
• There is higher median tobacco outlet density around schools than the state median.
• Tobacco outlets near schools and in more disadvantaged neighbourhoods should be targeted.

AimWe explored the association between the density of tobacco outlets and neighbourhood socioeconomic status, and between neighbourhood tobacco outlet density and individual smoking status. We also investigated the density of tobacco outlets around primary and secondary schools in New South Wales (NSW).MethodsWe calculated the mean density of retail tobacco outlets registered in NSW between 2009 and 2011, using kernel density estimation with an adaptive bandwidth. We used generalised ordered logistic regression model to explore the association between socioeconomic status and density of tobacco outlets. The association between neighbourhood tobacco outlet density and individuals’ current smoking status was investigated using random-intercept generalised linear mixed models. We also calculated the median tobacco outlet density around NSW schools.ResultsMore disadvantaged Census Collection Districts (CDs) were significantly more likely to have higher tobacco outlet densities. After adjusting for neighbourhood socioeconomic status and participants’ age, sex, country of birth and Aboriginal status, neighbourhood mean tobacco outlet density was significantly and positively associated with individuals’ smoking status. The median of tobacco outlet density around schools was significantly higher than the state median.ConclusionPolicymakers could consider exploring a range of strategies that target tobacco outlets in proximity to schools, in more disadvantaged neighbourhoods and in areas of existing high tobacco outlet density.