Impact of tobacco health warnings on smokers in Pakistan

J Pak Med Assoc. 2016 Jan;66(1):59-62.

Abstract

Objective: To see the impact of health warnings cigarette packets on the smoking habits of smokers.

Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in Karachi from July to October 2014, and comprised adult male cigarettes smokers. A self-administered questionnaire was presented to the participants who were selected through non-probability convenience sampling irrespective of their educational background. Data was analyzed using SPSS 17.

Results: Out of the 1500 subjects, 1330(88.7%) noticed warning on cigarette packets; 730(54.8%) considered the picture to have significant impact; 630(47.3%) tried to decrease smoking; and 430(32.4%) actually attempted to quit. Of the 430 who tried to quit, 300(69.7%) considered the picture as having had an impact.

Conclusions: The current health warnings on cigarette packets sold in Pakistan do not carry a significant deterrent impact.

Keywords: Health warnings, Tobacco, Cigarette packet..

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pakistan
  • Product Labeling*
  • Smoking Cessation*
  • Smoking*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Tobacco Products*
  • Young Adult