Research

Anti-tobacco TV ads help adults stop smoking, study finds
A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health revealed that anti-smoking television advertising assists in reducing adult smoking, but some ads may be more effective than others. The study measured exposure to smoking-related ads using Nielsen ratings data from 1999-2007 in combination with individual smoking data and state tobacco control policy data. Individuals’ smoking status, intentions to quit, attempts to quit in the past year, and average daily cigarette use were examined. Higher exposure to state-sponsored, private, and pharmaceutical advertisements was associated with less smoking. However, exposure to ads sponsored by the tobacco industry was associated with more smoking. The results suggest that the amount of advertisement exposure was more important than the content. To read more about this article, click here and click here to read the study abstract.

Warnings on cigarette packs may keep ex-smokers free from relapse
An international study published in Tobacco Control found that tobacco package warnings about the health hazards of smoking can help deter ex-smokers from relapse. In this study, about 2,000 former smokers in Canada, Australia, Britain, and the U.S. were polled regarding their thoughts on package messaging and their smoking status. It was discovered that regardless of nationality, those that found anti-smoking messaging on packaging helpful were more likely to avoid relapse. This is the first study to provide evidence that graphic health warnings can help ex-smokers abstain from smoking. These findings are timely due to policy changes mandating graphic anti-smoking images on cigarette packaging by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to take place in September 2012. Click here to read this article, and here for the study abstract.

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