The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #44005

Murray Kaiserman¹, Eva Makomaski Illing¹, and Donna Dasko². (1) Office of Research, Evaluation and Surveillance, Tobacco Control Programme, Pl 3507B, 123 Slater, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada, 613 954 5851, murray_kaiserman@hc-sc.gc.ca, (2) Environics Research Group, 33 Bloor Street East, Suite 900, Toronto, ON M4W 3H1

Larger health warning messages with pictures began appearing in December, 2000 on cigarette brands sold in Canada. Beginning with initial baseline levels of consumer knowledge, attitudes and behaviour (KAB) in November/December 2000, prior to the appearance of these new messages, The Tobacco Control Programme of Health Canada has conducted follow-up studies at three month intervals. Results six months after implementaion (July/August of 2001) indicate that, since the appearance of these messages, cigarette packages continue to rank almost as high as televison as the number one source of information for both adult smokers (57% vs 60%) and youth smokers (66% vs 41%). The results further indicate that smokers are "learning" the information provided on the messages, with 23% of adult smokers and 28% of youth smokers correctly identifying the number of Canadians who die annually from smoking related diseases compared to 16% and 18%, respectively, at baseline. Finally, the new messages continue to have strong support among smokers with 78% of adults and and 90% of youth smokers agreeing that the messages provide important information and 50% adults and 48% of youth smokers stating that the new messages have an effect in increasing the desire to quit, to smoke less often and to smoke less around others. The purpose of this presentation is to provide and discuss these six month post-implementation results for both adult and youth smokers.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

1.List five indicators that indicate success in informing the public through health warning messages
• Monitor the impact of public health campaigns. 2.Articulate the proceedure for assessing the health status of a patient with Alzheimer's Disease." 3.Develop a care plan for a family of six supported by an annual income of $32,000, and caring for a child who has cystic fibrosis."

Keywords: Tobacco, Smoking Cessation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.