M Justin Byron1, Allison J Lazard2, Ellen Peters3, Huyen Vu4, Annie Schmidt5, Noel T Brewer6. 1. Research Scientist, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC. 2. Assistant Professor, School of Media and Journalism, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC. 3. Distinguished Professor of Psychology, Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH. 4. Project Manager, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC. 5. Research Assistant, Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC. 6. Professor, Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The US government requires the public display of information about toxic chemicals in cigarettes and smoke by brand in a way that is understandable and not misleading. We sought to identify risk communication formats that meet these goals. METHODS: We conducted 3 online experiments with US adult convenience samples (total N = 1866). Participants viewed a webpage displaying information about chemicals in the smoke of a cigarette brand. Experiment 1 varied the chemicals listed and format for their health effects. Experiments 2 and 3 varied the format of chemical quantities and presence/absence of a visual risk indicator. Outcomes were understandable (increasing knowledge) and not misleading (not reinforcing misperceptions). RESULTS: Information about chemicals and health effects increased knowledge of these topics by ~30% (p < .001) compared to no information. Quantity format and use of a risk indicator generally did not affect knowledge. The proportion of participants misled ranged from 0% to 92%, depending on measure. Findings indicated 52% would use a website to search for safer cigarettes. Risk communication formats did little to reduce being misled. CONCLUSIONS: Some risk communication formats successfully increased knowledge of chemicals and health effects. However, the formats did little to reduce the proportion of people misled.
OBJECTIVE: The US government requires the public display of information about toxic chemicals in cigarettes and smoke by brand in a way that is understandable and not misleading. We sought to identify risk communication formats that meet these goals. METHODS: We conducted 3 online experiments with US adult convenience samples (total N = 1866). Participants viewed a webpage displaying information about chemicals in the smoke of a cigarette brand. Experiment 1 varied the chemicals listed and format for their health effects. Experiments 2 and 3 varied the format of chemical quantities and presence/absence of a visual risk indicator. Outcomes were understandable (increasing knowledge) and not misleading (not reinforcing misperceptions). RESULTS: Information about chemicals and health effects increased knowledge of these topics by ~30% (p < .001) compared to no information. Quantity format and use of a risk indicator generally did not affect knowledge. The proportion of participants misled ranged from 0% to 92%, depending on measure. Findings indicated 52% would use a website to search for safer cigarettes. Risk communication formats did little to reduce being misled. CONCLUSIONS: Some risk communication formats successfully increased knowledge of chemicals and health effects. However, the formats did little to reduce the proportion of people misled.
Authors: Noel T Brewer; Jennifer C Morgan; Sabeeh A Baig; Jennifer R Mendel; Marcella H Boynton; Jessica K Pepper; M Justin Byron; Seth M Noar; Robert P Agans; Kurt M Ribisl Journal: Tob Control Date: 2016-12-06 Impact factor: 7.552
Authors: Elizabeth G Klein; Amanda J Quisenberry; Abigail B Shoben; Tiffany Thomson; SuSandi Htut; Randi E Foraker; Albert M Lai; Michael D Slater Journal: Tob Regul Sci Date: 2018-11
Authors: Jennifer R Mendel; Sabeeh A Baig; Marissa G Hall; Michelle Jeong; M Justin Byron; Jennifer C Morgan; Seth M Noar; Kurt M Ribisl; Noel T Brewer Journal: PLoS One Date: 2018-01-11 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Adam O Goldstein; Kristen L Jarman; Sarah D Kowitt; Tara L Queen; Kyung Su Kim; Bonnie E Shook-Sa; Paschal Sheeran; Seth M Noar; Leah M Ranney Journal: JAMA Netw Open Date: 2021-02-01