Misperceptions of "light" cigarettes abound: National survey data

Wilson, Nick; Weerasekera, Deepa; Peace, Jo; Edwards, Richard; Thomson, George; Devlin, Miranda

doi:10.1186/1471-2458-9-126

Cited by 23 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…The results were weighted to reflect the national population of smokers in New Zealand. The multivariate analysis involved two models: a) using socio‐demographic variables (age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic deprivation, and financial stress); and b) adding smoking‐related beliefs and behaviours (see a previous article using this dataset for more detail on these models) 14 …”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Strong smoker interest in ‘setting an example to children’ by quitting: national survey data

Thomson

Wilson

Weerasekera

et al. 2011

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health

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Objective: To further explore smoker views on reasons to quit. and 'somewhat' responses (combined) were greater for personal health (81%) than 'setting an example to children' (74%). Methods Price was the third ranked reason (67%).In a multivariate analysis, women were significantly more likely to state that 'setting an example to children' was 'very much' or 'somewhat' a reason to quit; as were Māori, or Pacific compared to European; and those suffering financial stress. Conclusion Implications:The policy implications could include a need for a greater emphasis on social reasons (e.g. 'example to children'), in pack warnings, and in social marketing for smoking cessation.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Strong smoker interest in ‘setting an example to children’ by quitting: national survey data

Thomson

Wilson

Weerasekera

et al. 2011

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health

Self Cite

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“…In addition, many WP users are driven by a misperception of reducedharm/ addictiveness, which can be re-enforced by deceptive descriptors that appear on WP tobacco packages (e.g., “contains 0% tar and 0.5% nicotine”) or accessories such as the charcoal (e.g. “smokeless and odorless”, “free of chemicals”, “100% natural”) (Khalil et al, 2009; Nakkash & Khalil, 2010; Wilson et al, 2009). All these descriptors aim to create an impression of a healthy product, and should be countered by appropriate packaging and advertisement policies.…”

Section: Conclusion and Policy Recommendationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The global epidemic of waterpipe smoking

Maziak

2011

Addictive Behaviors

322

294

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SUMMARY In the past decade waterpipe (WP) smoking (a.k.a. hookah, shisha, narghile) has been steadily spreading among youth around the world. The allure of this tobacco use method for youth can stem from its pleasant smooth smoke, social ambience and the perception of reduced harm. The material in this review is based on detailed Medline search for articles appearing especially in past two years that are of relevance to WP epidemiology, health and addictive effects, and WP-related tobacco control policies. It shows that WP smoking is continuing to spread among youth worldwide, and perhaps represents the second global tobacco epidemic since the cigarette. Available evidence suggests that the prevalence of current (past month) WP smoking range from 6–34% among Middle Eastern adolescents, 5%–17% among American adolescents, and that WP use is increasing globally. Studies on the health effects of WP smoking are limited by methodological quality, as well as by the novelty of WP epidemic relative to the long latency of important smoking-related health outcomes. Still, research indicates substantial harmful effects similar to those of cigarettes, as well as to the potential of providing a bridge to cigarette smoking or relapse. Developing effective interventions to curb WP use among youth requires a detailed understanding of how dependence develops in WP users, and how it is shaped by WP’s unique features such as; the predominantly intermittent use with prolonged sessions, preparation time, accessibility, potent sensory cues, convivial experience of group use. It also requires assessing effective policy options such as factual and visible health warnings on all its parts, as well as youth access and indoor smoking restrictions. WP smoking is currently showing all signs of a burgeoning global epidemic with serious implications for public health and tobacco control worldwide. Investment in research and policy initiatives to understand and curb WP use needs to become a public health priority.

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“…Studies have shown that many smokers mistakenly believe that cigarettes labeled as “light” or “mild” actually deliver less tar and are less harmful to smokers, and consequently are “healthier” than regular cigarettes [14,15]. Although Brazil banned the use of these misleading descriptors in 2001, a number of brands use alternative terms such as “fresh” or references to lighter colors such as “gold” or “silver” [3].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The potential impact of plain packaging of cigarette products among Brazilian young women: an experimental study

et al. 2012

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BackgroundTobacco use is responsible for 5.4 million deaths every year worldwide and is a leading cause of preventable death. The burden of these deaths is rapidly shifting to low and middle-income countries, such as Brazil. Brazil has prohibited most forms of tobacco advertising; however, the cigarette pack remains a primary source of marketing. The current study examined how tobacco packaging influences brand appeal and perceptions of health risk among young women in Brazil.MethodsA between-subjects experiment was conducted in which 640 Brazilian women aged 16–26 participated in an online survey. Participants were randomized to view 10 cigarette packages according to one of three experimental conditions: standard branded packages, the same packs without brand imagery (“plain packaging”), or the same packs without brand imagery or descriptors (e.g., flavors). Participants rated packages on perceived appeal, taste, health risk, smoothness, and smoker attributes. Finally, participants were shown a range of branded and plain packs from which they could select one as a free gift, which constituted a behavioral measure of appeal.ResultsBranded packs were rated as significantly more appealing, better tasting, and smoother on the throat than plain packs. Branded packs were also associated with a greater number of positive smoker attributes including style and sophistication, and were perceived as more likely to be smoked by females than the plain packs. Removing descriptors from the plain packs further decreased the ratings of appeal, taste and smoothness, and also reduced associations with positive attributes. In the pack offer, participants were three times more likely to select branded packs than plain packs.ConclusionsPlain packaging and removal of descriptors may reduce the appeal of smoking for youth and young adults, and consequently reduce smoking susceptibility. Overall, the findings provide support for plain packaging regulations, such as those in Australia.

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Misperceptions of "light" cigarettes abound: National survey data

Cited by 23 publications

References 21 publications

Strong smoker interest in ‘setting an example to children’ by quitting: national survey data

Strong smoker interest in ‘setting an example to children’ by quitting: national survey data

The global epidemic of waterpipe smoking

The potential impact of plain packaging of cigarette products among Brazilian young women: an experimental study

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