Harms Of Tobacco Use Research Articles

What Low-income Smokers Have Learned from Public Health Pedagogy: A Narrative Inquiry.

Objectives: Health advocates have been working to educate the public about the harms of smoking for more than 50 years. However, smoking rates have reduced more slowly among people with low incomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate what low-income smokers have learned from a lifetime of exposure to public health education and how this knowledge may have translated into smoking-related behaviors. Methods: We used narrative inquiry and elicitation interview techniques. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded, and organized into themes using the constant comparative method. Results: All participants were aware of smoking-related harms to health but negative experiences with quitting, cessation medications, and healthcare professionals contributed to avoiding or rejecting educational messages. Participants' perceptions of hypocritical societal tobacco control policies also led some to believe that the harms of tobacco use were exaggerated, or were being used to control or manipulate them. This contributed to a distrust of the government, public health advocates, and healthcare providers. Conclusions: Low-income smokers were aware of the harms of smoking and that quitting would improve their health. Public health advocates should consider developing messages that attempt to foster trust in healthcare professionals and are consistent with low-income adult smokers' quitting experiences.

Awareness of anti-tobacco advertisements and its influence on attitude toward tobacco use among 16 to 18-year-old students in Belgaum city: A Cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION:Tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced. Tobacco use is a significant public health problem worldwide and the single-most preventable risk of human health. Mass media anti-tobacco advertisements can reach large sections of the society and increase awareness about the harms of tobacco use and increase quit attempts.METHODOLOGY:This cross-sectional study was conducted to find out the awareness of anti-tobacco advertisements and to assess the influence of anti-tobacco advertisements among 16 to 18-year-old students in Belgaum city. A self-structured, close-ended, 26-item questionnaire was distributed to 600 preuniversity students. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic data, tobacco usage status, questions related to awareness about anti-tobacco advertisements, and influence of anti-tobacco advertisements on attitude toward tobacco use. Frequency distributions and percentages were examined for each item and Chi-square test was used.RESULTS:Majority of the study participants (89.4% males and 86.7% females) were aware of the anti-tobacco advertisements. Television and movie theaters were considered as the most effective means for anti-tobacco advertisements. Nearly 90.8% had noticed the statutory warning which is shown during tobacco products’ usage on television/movies. Almost 78.35% of males and 90.6% of females had a positive change in attitude toward tobacco use due to influence of anti-tobacco advertisements.CONCLUSION:There is an increased awareness on anti-tobacco and this has been proved to be effective in motivating them to quit tobacco as well as stop them from initiating tobacco use.

Education differential in relation to tobacco use and its predictors across different regions of India.

Tobacco use and education of an individual are linked to each other. Educated people are more likely to practice healthy behaviors and are aware of the harms of tobacco use. This paper uses the Global Adult Tobacco Survey data (GATS-India) to study the education differential associated with tobacco use and its predictors across India. Secondary data analysis was conducted for GATS conducted in 2009-2010 in India. Data for "illiterate" and "literate" study subjects were analyzed according to study subject's "tobacco consumption pattern," their "quitting behavior," "exposure to second hand smoke (SHS)" and "observing health warnings on tobacco products." Tobacco smokers and smokeless tobacco users were more likely to be illiterate (odds ratio [OR] for smoking tobacco = 1.2; for smokeless tobacco = 1.5) as compared to their counterparts. Significantly, more illiterate initiated smoking tobacco (OR = 1.1; 1.02-1.26) and smokeless tobacco habit (OR = 1.3; 1.21-1.44) before 17 years of age. Illiterate people were less likely to try quitting tobacco (smoking tobacco = OR = 0.8; 0.79-0.94; smokeless tobacco = OR = 0.7; 0.70-0.81) and also less likely to think of quitting tobacco in near future (smoking tobacco = OR = 0.6; 0.59-0.71; smokeless tobacco = OR = 0.6; 0.57-0.66). Illiterate people were more likely to be exposed to SHS at home (OR = 1.8; 1.7-1.9) and less likely to notice health warnings on cigarette packets (OR = 0.2; 0.26-0.28) and smokeless tobacco pouches (unadjusted OR = 0.5; 0.49-0.53). The results confirm that education differential exists for tobacco use and its determinants in India. It is recommended that all people of our country should have access to quality education. Policy makers should target uneducated people so as to reverse the tobacco epidemic.

Frequency of E-cigarette Use, Health Status, and Risk and Protective Health Behaviors in Adolescents.

E-cigarettes (ECs) are increasingly popular among adolescents, who perceive them as "safer" than cigarettes. Although research has examined risk factors for adolescent EC use, little is known about how EC use correlates with health status and protective health behaviors. In all, 2488 adolescents (mean age = 17.31 years, SD = 0.67; 46% male) completed a survey on EC and cigarette use, physical and mental health, physical activity, diet, sleep, and alcohol and other drug (AOD) use. Logistic regression compared EC-only users to dual EC/cigarette users, cigarette-only users, and nonusers on these health factors. Among EC-only users, separate ordinary least-squares regression models assessed the effects of health status/behavior variables on frequency of past-year EC use, controlling for demographics and smokeless tobacco use. User groups were similar on physical health and engagement in protective health behaviors (physical activity, sleep duration/quality, healthy diet), but EC-only users reported fewer mental health symptoms and less AOD use than dual or cigarette-only users. Among EC-only users, AOD use (all P < 0.0001) predicted more frequent EC use; healthy diet predicted less frequent use (P < 0.01). EC-only use is associated with lower engagement in risky behaviors, but not better health status or higher engagement in protective health behaviors, compared with cigarette smoking. Dual EC/cigarette users may represent a particularly high-risk group due to their greater AOD use and cigarette consumption. Among "intermediate-risk" EC-only users, AOD use and unhealthy diet correlated with heavier use, and may be important targets for preventing escalation to more harmful tobacco use.

The Difference a Decade Makes: Smoking Cessation Counseling and Screening at Pediatric Visits.

There has been a sharp decline in adolescents who smoke cigarettes but no national-level study evaluating the impact of smoking cessation counseling by pediatricians or other clinicians who care for children. Combined data from ambulatory portions of the National Hospital Ambulatory Care Survey and National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from 1997-1999 and 2009-2011 were analyzed to determine changes in the frequency of pediatric visits that included clinician-reported tobacco counseling and how such counseling varied by child, family, and clinician characteristics. In 1997-1999, 1.5% of all medical visits for children aged below 19 years included tobacco counseling; this increased to 3.8% in 2009-2011 (P < .001). A marked increase from 4.1% to 11.1% was noted at well-child visits (P < .001). There were significant increases in counseling by pediatricians but not mid-level providers or general/family physicians. Provision of counseling did not result in greater visit length during either time point. During 2009-2011, visits with a diagnosis of asthma were four times as likely (OR 4.2, 95% CI 2.8-6.2) and visits for otitis media two times as likely (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2-3.7) to include smoking cessation counseling than sick visits for all other diagnoses. These results demonstrate a significant increase in tobacco counseling by pediatric providers within the last decade, especially at well-child visits. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation that pediatricians counsel about the harms of tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure has not yet been exhaustively implemented. A significant increase in smoking cessation counseling at pediatric medical appointments, especially at well-child visits, occurred from 2009-2011 compared with 1997-1999, paralleling a large decrease in smoking prevalence. These improvements in counseling rates have been predominantly noted for pediatricians but not mid-level providers or general practitioners. Counseling was not associated with increased visit lengths. Although improved counseling practices by pediatricians have been demonstrated, there is still room for improvement.

Is neighbourhood access to tobacco outlets related to smoking behaviour and tobacco-related health outcomes and hospital admissions?

ObjectivesAlthough the harms of tobacco use are widely accepted, few studies have examined the relationship between access to tobacco outlets and hospital admissions. This study aimed to examine the relationship between neighbourhood access to tobacco outlets, smoking and hospital admissions and self-reported morbidity. MethodsResponses as to smoking behaviour were obtained from 12,270 adult participants in Western Australia (2003–2009) and individually record-linked to hospital admissions and geographically linked to tobacco outlets. ResultsNeighbourhood access to tobacco outlets was marginally positively associated with being a current versus a past smoker. Tobacco outlet access was also positively associated with heart disease for smokers but not non-smokers. For smokers, each additional outlet within 1600m of home was associated with a 2% increase in the odds of heart disease. ConclusionSmokers with greater access to tobacco outlets were more likely to be diagnosed with or admitted to hospital for heart disease. Regulating the density of tobacco outlets in the community has immense potential to improve health benefits and our results motivate the need for future longitudinal studies to confirm this hypothesis.

It's complicated: Examining smokers' relationships with their cigarette brands.

Despite increased restrictions and taxes, decreased social acceptability, and widespread awareness of the harms of tobacco use, many in the U.S. continue to smoke cigarettes. Thus, understanding smokers' attitudes and motivations remains an important goal. This study adopts the consumer psychology concept of brand relationship to provide a new lens through which to examine smokers' attitudes about their cigarette use. Twelve focus groups (N = 143) were conducted with adult cigarette smokers from September to November, 2013. Using a semistructured moderator guide and "top of mind" worksheets, the discussion examined participants' attitudes toward (a) their own cigarette brand and (b) tobacco companies in general. Data were coded and analyzed following principles of thematic analysis. Adult smokers reported positive attitudes toward their cigarette brand, as their brand was strongly associated with the positive experience of smoking (e.g., satisfying craving and relief from withdrawal). In contrast, thinking about tobacco companies in general evoked negative reactions, revealing overwhelmingly negative attitudes toward the industry. Findings reveal a complicated relationship between smokers and their cigarette brand: simultaneously embracing their cigarettes and rejecting the industry that makes them. Taken together, these data suggest smokers maintain largely positive brand relationships, diverting negative feelings about smoking toward the tobacco industry. Finally, they highlight the synergy between branding and the subjective smoking experience, whereby positive brand attitudes are reinforced through withdrawal relief. Ultimately, this information could inform a more complete understanding of how smokers interpret and respond to tobacco communications, including marketing from their brand. (PsycINFO Database Record

Psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy for harmful tobacco use and tobacco dependency

Tobacco consumption is one of the major preventable health risk factors. In Germany approximately 110,000 people prematurely die from tobacco-related diseases and approximately 50% of regular smokers are considered to be tobacco dependent. Nevertheless, motivation to quit smoking is low and the long-term abstinence rates after attempts to stop smoking without professional support are far below 10%. As part of the S3 treatment guidelines 78 recommendations for motivation and early interventions for smokers unwilling to quit as well as psychotherapeutic and pharmacological support for smokers willing to quit were formulated after an systematic search of the current literature. More than 50 professional associations adopted the recommendations and background information in a complex certification process. In this article the scientific evidence base regarding the psychotherapeutic and pharmacological treatment options as well as recommendations and further information about indications and treatment implementation are presented. By following these guidelines for treatment of heavy smokers who are willing to quit combined with individual and group therapies on the basis of behavioral treatment strategies and pharmacological support, long-term success rates of almost 30% can be achieved.

Sedative use: its association with harmful alcohol use, harmful tobacco use and quality of life among health care workers in Thailand

Background: Health care workers (HCWs) may be at higher risk for sedative misuse due to potential access and self-medication behavior.Objectives: To examine risk factors for harmful sedative use (HSedU) and its association with harmful alcohol use (HAlcU), harmful tobacco use (HTobU) and quality of life (QoL).Methods: A survey was conducted in 2013 at an urban university hospital in Northern Thailand. Risk of harm was measured using The Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). Harmful substance use defined as having at least moderate risk of harm. QoL was measured using SF-36 questionnaire.Results: A sample of 3204 HCWs (59.7% response) participated. The prevalence of HSedU in past 3 months was 4.2%. Health professionals involved with prescribing or dispensing medication were at higher risk of HSedU (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.21–2.67). Adjusting for confounders, HSedU was associated with HAlcU (OR 3.35, 95% CI 1.81–6.20) but not associated with HTobU. HSedU was associated with lower QoL score which was 7.78 and 5.52 points lower for physical (95% CI −10.4 to −5.18) and mental QoL (95% CI −7.11 to −3.93), respectively.Conclusions: HCWs were at higher risk of HSedU. HSedU was associated with HAlcU and associated with lower physical and mental health QoL.

Factors influencing quit attempts among male daily smokers in China

BackgroundChina has the largest population of smokers in the world, yet the quit rate is low. We used data from the 2010 Global Adult Tobacco Survey China to identify factors influencing quit attempts among male Chinese daily smokers. MethodsThe study sample included 3303 male daily smokers. To determine the factors that were significantly associated with making a quit attempt, we conducted logistic regression analyses. In addition, mediation analyses were carried out to investigate how the intermediate association among demographics (age, education, urbanicity) and smoking-related variables affected making a quit attempt. ResultsAn estimated 11.0% of male daily smokers tried to quit smoking in the 12months prior to the survey. Logistic regression analysis indicated that younger age (15–24years), being advised to quit by a health care provider (HCP) in the past 12months, lower cigarette cost per pack, monthly or less frequent exposure to smoking at home, and awareness of the harms of tobacco use were significantly associated with making a quit attempt. Additional mediation analyses showed that having knowledge of the harm of tobacco, exposure to smoking at home, and having been advised to quit by an HCP were mediators of making a quit attempt for other independent variables. ConclusionEvidence-based tobacco control measures such as conducting educational campaigns on the harms of tobacco use, establishing smoke-free policies at home, and integrating tobacco cessation advice into primary health care services can increase quit attempts and reduce smoking among male Chinese daily smokers.

Warning about the harms of tobacco use in 22 countries: findings from a cross-sectional household survey

BackgroundKnowledge about the harms of tobacco use deters initiation and is associated with cessation. Most studies on this knowledge in the general population have been in high-income countries, but the...

尼古丁滥用与精神疾病相关睡眠障碍关系的研究综述

烟草危害已成为我国严重的公共卫生问题之一，控制尼古丁滥用面临严峻挑战。同时，现代社会睡眠障碍的发生率越来越高，二者均已成为社会和医学共同关注的热点。大量流行病学和临床调查发现，精神疾病患者相比普通人群，具有更高的吸烟率，精神疾病与睡眠障碍之间具有紧密联系，两者具有共同的神经生物学基础。因此，探讨二者的关联对于更好地防治尼古丁滥用和睡眠障碍具有积极意义。本文就尼古丁滥用与精神疾病相关睡眠障碍之间的关系进行简要综述。 The harm of tobacco use has become one of the most serious public health problems in our country and the control of nicotine abuse faces great challenges. Meanwhile, the incidence of sleep disorders has improved in modern society. A large number of epidemiological and clinical surveys have found that patients with mental disease have higher rates of smoking compared with the general population. A close link between mental illness and sleep disorders has also been found, and there are common neurobiological basis for these two conditions. Therefore, investigation of their relationship becomes a positive way to prevent and treat nicotine abuse and sleep disorders. In this review, we will elucidate the relationship between nicotine abuse and mental disease-re- lated sleep disorder.

Smokers' beliefs about the tobacco control potential of "a gene for smoking": a focus group study.

BackgroundSeveral genetic variations associated with nicotine dependence and lung cancer exist. Translating this knowledge into tobacco control policy relies on smokers’ perceptions of the implications of the research. This study explored smokers’ beliefs about the tobacco control uses for research examining genomics, smoking, and addiction.MethodSmokers (N = 85) participated in one of thirteen focus groups and one interview, stratified by race (eight black, six white) and education (seven < Bachelor’s degree, seven ≥ Bachelor’s degree). Data were analyzed by two independent coders using standard analysis and validation techniques.ResultsNearly all groups suggested using genetic information for youth-oriented tobacco prevention education. Beliefs about the effectiveness of such actions varied. Many participants believed that providing smokers personalized genetic testing results or informing them about the existence of a gene would not motivate people to quit. All smokers emphasized the need for improved smoking cessation treatment options. Using genomics research to develop gene therapies and personalized drug treatments were also mentioned, yet perceptions of such treatments were mixed. Whereas some participants viewed the possibility positively, others expressed concern about cost and access. Participants who were skeptical of the effectiveness of using genetic information for tobacco control noted that the harms of tobacco use are widely known and genetic information does not add much of a deterrent.ConclusionParticipants generated several possible tobacco control uses for genomics research findings. Our findings suggest that tobacco control experts should consult with smokers prior to implementing tobacco control measures. The potential public health benefits of genetics and genomics research related to tobacco use cannot be realized until communication strategies that are most likely to encourage and support tobacco avoidance decisions, and minimize mistrust and backlash, are identified.

Knowledge of the harms of tobacco use among patients with bladder cancer.

The objective of this study was to determine tobacco use knowledge and attribution of cause in patients with newly diagnosed bladder cancer. A stratified, random sample of bladder cancer survivors diagnosed between 2006 and 2009 was obtained from the California Cancer Registry. Respondents were surveyed about tobacco use, risk factors, and sources of information on the causes of bladder cancer. Contingency tables and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate tobacco use knowledge and beliefs. Of 1198 eligible participants, 790 (66%) completed the survey. Sixty-eight percent of the cohort had a history of tobacco use, and 19% were active smokers at diagnosis. Tobacco use was the most cited risk factor for bladder cancer, with active smokers more knowledgeable than former smokers or never smokers (90% vs 64% vs 61%, respectively; P<.001). Urologists were the predominant source of information and were cited most often by active smokers (82%). In multivariate analyses, active smokers had 6.37 times greater odds (95% confidence interval, 3.35-12.09) than never smokers of endorsing tobacco use as a risk factor for bladder cancer, and smokers who named the urologist as their information source had 2.80 times greater odds (95% confidence interval, 1.77-4.43) of believing tobacco use caused their cancer. Patients' smoking status and primary source of information were associated with knowledge of the harms of tobacco use and, in smokers, acknowledgment that tobacco use increased the risk of their own disease. Urologists play a critical role in ensuring patients' knowledge of the connection between smoking and bladder cancer, particularly for active smokers who may be motivated to quit.

Perceived Harm of Tobacco Products and Individual Schemas of a Smoker in Relation to Change in Tobacco Product Use Over One Year Among Young Adults

Introduction: Given increases in nondaily smoking and alternative tobacco use among young adults, we examined the nature of change of various tobacco product use among college students over a year and predictors of use at one-year follow-up. Methods: An online survey was administered to students at six Southeast colleges and universities (N = 4,840; response rate = 20.1%) in Fall 2010, with attempts to follow up in Fall 2011 with a random subsample of 2,000 participants (N = 718; response rate = 35.9%). Data were analyzed from 698 participants with complete data regarding tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol use over a one-year period, perceived harm of tobacco use, and schemas of a “smoker” (as per the Classifying a Smoker Scale). Results: Baseline predictors of current smoking at follow-up included being White (p = .001), frequency of smoking (p < .001), alternative tobacco use (p < .001), and perceived harm of smoking (p = .02); marginally significant predictors included marijuana use (p = .06) and lower scores on the Classifying a Smoker Scale (p = .07). Baseline predictors of current smoking at follow-up among baseline nondaily smokers included more frequent smoking (p = .008); lower Classifying a Smoker Scale score was a marginally significant predictor (p = .06). Baseline predictors of alternative tobacco use at follow-up included being male (p = .007), frequency of smoking (p = .04), alternative tobacco use (p < .001), and frequency of alcohol use (p = .003); marginally significant predictors included marijuana use (p = .07) and lower perceived harm of smokeless tobacco (p = .06) and cigar products (p = .08). Conclusions: Tobacco control campaigns and interventions might target schemas of a smoker and perceived risks of using various tobacco products, even at low levels.

Lessons learned in community research through the Native Proverbs 31 Health Project.

BackgroundAmerican Indian women have high rates of cardiovascular disease largely because of their high prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. This population has high rates of cardiovascular disease-related behaviors, including physical inactivity, harmful tobacco use, and a diet that promotes heart disease. Culturally appropriate interventions are needed to establish health behavior change to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.Community ContextThis study was conducted in Robeson County, North Carolina, the traditional homeland of the Lumbee Indian tribe. The study’s goal was to develop, deliver, and evaluate a community-based, culturally appropriate cardiovascular disease program for American Indian women and girls.MethodsFormative research, including focus groups, church assessments, and literature reviews, were conducted for intervention development. Weekly classes during a 4-month period in 4 Lumbee churches (64 women and 11 girls in 2 primary intervention churches; 82 women and 8 girls in 2 delayed intervention churches) were led by community lay health educators. Topics included nutrition, physical activity, and tobacco use cessation and were coupled with messages from the Proverbs 31 passage, which describes the virtuous, godly woman. Surveys collected at the beginning and end of the program measured programmatic effects and change in body mass index.OutcomeChurches were very receptive to the program. However, limitations included slow rise in attendance, scheduling conflicts for individuals and church calendars, and resistance to change in cultural traditions.InterpretationChurches are resources in developing and implementing health promotion programs in Christian populations. Through church partnerships, interventions can be tailored to suit the needs of targeted groups.

Hacettepe Erişkin Hastanesine başvuran hastaların sigara bırakma hizmetleri hakkındaki yaklaşımlarının değerlendirilmesi

This research was conducted to determine the views and information of the society about smoking cessation services and to find out the smoking status. This descriptive study was conducted at Hacettepe University Adult Hospital. The questionnaire was conducted to the participants with face to face interview techniques between the dates 3-8 August 2011 and asked about socio-demographic characteristics, smoking status and the views on smoking cessation methods and services. In the analysis, descriptive statistics, chi-square and Fisher's exact chi-square test was used where necessary. p< 0.05 was accepted for statistical significance. The average age of 599 individuals participated to the research was 36.95 ± 12.80 years and 56.6% were male. The participants declared their smoking status that 48.9% do not smoke, 15.9% quit smoking, 35.2% stated as still smoking. Among current smokers 60.2% thought to quit smoking in the last 12 months. Of the participants 42.1% have tried to quit smoking in the past 12 months. 46% percent of smokers and 56.3% non-smokers stated that they are aware of smoking cessation outpatient clinics (p= 0.033). The percentage of awareness of smoking cessation line was 67.8%, and 46.9% are aware of AMATEMs. Same percentages are as 49.5% and 28.4% for the ones who quit smoking. 59.7% of smokers think that nicotine-free preparates and 17.4% think that nicotine preparates is successful; these percentages are 89.7% and 36.7% for non-smokers. Tendency to cessation among tobacco users and have awareness about the services that support cessation and believe that the law reduces the harms of tobacco use. However, more interventions are needed to reach those who are at low-income level. Also being a role model to the children in the society and to use attitudes and behaviors in smoking cessation campaigns are thought to be effective.

Concerns about unintended negative consequences of informing the public about multifactorial risks may be premature for young adult smokers

Many health risks are associated with both genetic and behavioural factors. Concerns have been raised that learning about such multifactorial risks might have detrimental effects on health-related beliefs, cognitions, and affect. However, experimental evidence is sparse. To explore the effects of reading an online news article about the discovery of a genetic basis for nicotine addiction. Smokers (N=333) were recruited from the psychology subject pools of two major universities. Participants were randomly assigned to read one of three news articles: one describing a genetic basis for nicotine addiction and lung cancer obtained from a national news source, one altered to indicate no genetic basis for nicotine addiction and lung cancer, or one unrelated attention control. Participants then completed an online questionnaire, which assessed smoking-related cognitions and affect, and beliefs about nicotine addiction, quitting smoking, and whether the harms of tobacco use are delayed. There was no statistically significant influence of experimental condition on smoking-related cognitions/affect (ps>.05, η(2) <.002), beliefs about addiction and quitting (Wilks' λ=.98, p=.66, η(2) =.01), or delayed harm (ps>.05, η(2) <.002). Reading an online news article about the presence or absence of a genetic basis for nicotine addiction was not found to change smoking-related cognitions/affect or beliefs among young adult smokers. Concerns about negative effects of multifactorial risk information on health beliefs may be premature. Nevertheless, to effectively translate basic genomics research into effective public health practice, further research should investigate these issues in different populations, via different communication modalities, and for different health outcomes. What is already known on this subject? Information about the health implications of the interaction between genetics and behaviour is becoming prevalent. Learning about these interactions may reduce perceived risk and intentions to engage in health behaviours. What does this study add? Informing young adult smokers about the genetic basis for nicotine addiction does not affect health beliefs negatively. Responses are not moderated by endorsing the idea of genetic causation or current/experimenter smoking status.

Newspaper coverage of tobacco issues: an analysis of print news in Chinese cities, 2008–2011

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine to what extent Chinese media coverage of tobacco issues in 17 Chinese cities comprises messaging known to motivate healthy behaviour.MethodsThis study involved...

How Turkey Meets MPOWER Criteria?

In 2003 World Health Assembly adopted an international treaty on tobacco control; FCTC, Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Five year later World Health Organization (WHO) declared the six effective approach for tobacco control, under the name of MPOWER. In the following years, WHO evaluated the level of implementation of MPOWER criteria in the countries. In this article, how Turkey implemented these six criteria will be discussed. Monitor tobacco use and prevention policies: Monitoring of tobacco use prevalence has been successfully monitored in Turkey through Global Adult Tobacco Survey, Global Youth Tobacco Survey and Health Professionals Tobacco Use Survey. Nevertheless, monitoring of tobacco industry activities was not successfully implemented. Protect people from tobacco smoke: Smoking was banned in most of the indoor public places in Turkey since 1996, and Turkey became a complete smoke-free country by the exposion of smoke-free places including the hospitality workplaces in 2008. Offer help to quit tobacco use: Although smoking cessation services has been a bit late in Turkey, availability of smoking cessation drugs and the establishment of free quitline services made Turkey successful in this regard. Warn about the dangers of tobacco: Since 1996, all TV channels have a duty of broadcasting programs on harms of tobacco use, not less than 90 minutes in a month and it has been implemented successfully. Additionally written messages indicating harms of tobacco has been printed on the packs since 1988 and pictures was added in 2010. But since the average surface area covered by the messages in less than 50% of the total surface of the pack, Turkey was not regarded as to meet the requirement. Enforce bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship: All kinds of tobacco advertisement and promotion was banned by the Law in 1996. But the tobacco products was not in closed boxes at the sales points. Turkey was not found as successful in this regard. Raise taxes on tobacco: Total tax on the tobacco products is more than 75% level which was recommended by WHO, Turkey meets this criteria. In conclusion, Turkey was regarded as meeting all the MPOWER criteria except the warning about the dangers of tobacco and enforcement of the advertisement ban. In conclusion, Turkey was regarded as meeting all the MPOWER criteria except the warning about the dangers of tobacco and enforcement of the advertisement ban.