OBJECTIVES: We assessed the impact of graphic Canadian cigarette warning labels. METHODS: We used a longitudinal telephone survey of 616 adult smokers. RESULTS: Approximately one fifth of participants reported smoking less as a result of the labels; only 1% reported smoking more. Although participants reported negative emotional responses to the warnings including fear (44%) and disgust (58%), smokers who reported greater negative emotion were more likely to have quit, attempted to quit, or reduced their smoking 3 months later. Participants who attempted to avoid the warnings (30%) were no less likely to think about the warnings or engage in cessation behavior at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Policymakers should not be reluctant to introduce vivid or graphic warnings for fear of adverse outcomes.
OBJECTIVES: We assessed the impact of graphic Canadian cigarette warning labels. METHODS: We used a longitudinal telephone survey of 616 adult smokers. RESULTS: Approximately one fifth of participants reported smoking less as a result of the labels; only 1% reported smoking more. Although participants reported negative emotional responses to the warnings including fear (44%) and disgust (58%), smokers who reported greater negative emotion were more likely to have quit, attempted to quit, or reduced their smoking 3 months later. Participants who attempted to avoid the warnings (30%) were no less likely to think about the warnings or engage in cessation behavior at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Policymakers should not be reluctant to introduce vivid or graphic warnings for fear of adverse outcomes.
Authors: Paul L Reiter; Mary E Wewers; Electra D Paskett; Elizabeth G Klein; Mira L Katz Journal: Rural Remote Health Date: 2012-02-03 Impact factor: 1.759
Authors: David Hammond; Geoffrey T Fong; Ron Borland; K Michael Cummings; Ann McNeill; Pete Driezen Journal: Am J Prev Med Date: 2007-03 Impact factor: 5.043
Authors: Ahmed I Fathelrahman; Maizurah Omar; Rahmat Awang; Ron Borland; Geoffrey T Fong; David Hammond; Zarihah Zain Journal: Nicotine Tob Res Date: 2009-02-26 Impact factor: 4.244