Avoidance of smoking: the impact of warning labels in Brazil

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that the most threatening and arousing pictures prompt the greatest evidence of defensive activation. Emotional ratings of Brazilian warning pictures described them as unpleasant but moderately arousing. To intensify avoidance of the packages, future graphic warnings should therefore generate more arousal. The ratings for the Brazilian warning pictures indicated that, except for those depicting people smoking, judgements by smokers and non-smokers were similar, suggesting a potential applicability in both prevention and cessation. Smoking cues, however, should be avoided.

Graphic health warnings and their best position on waterpipes: A cross-sectional survey of expert and public opinion

“…Graphic health warnings (GHWs) are a cost-effective way to raise awareness of the hazards of tobacco smoking 17 .They encourage smokers to quit, prevent nonsmokers from starting 17 and repeatedly expose smokers and nonsmokers alike to health messages and health risk information 19 . Indeed, evidence from , Brazil 21 and Mexico 22,23 react effectively to warning labels in terms of risk perception and quit intentions.…”

Reactions of Nepali Adults to Warning Labels on Cigarette Packages: A Survey with Employee and Medical Students of a Tertiary Care Medical College of Western Region of Nepal

“…Brazil introduced a second round of labels in 2004. In a study which evaluated both rounds, researchers found that the most threatening and fear-arousing images on warning labels increased intention to avoid smoking [26]. A study in Canada (where large, pictorial pack warnings are required) suggested that reading and thinking about warning labels was positively associated with intention to quit smoking [13].…”

Atitudes de gestantes e da população geral quanto ao uso de substâncias durante a gestação

“…Esses autores investigaram o impacto das imagens com advertências sanitárias de embalagens de cigarros, desenvolvidas pelo programa brasileiro de controle do tabaco, utilizando uma tarefa para estudos de emoção e comportamento, comparando as imagens do programa com imagens controle. A imagem que apresentou uma gestante fumando foi considerada muito aversiva mesmo entre os fumantes, sendo que a imagem que apresentava uma mulher (não gestante) fumando não teve o mesmo julgamento (8) . Entre outros efeitos, as campanhas ajudam a disseminar informações a respeito das consequências desse tipo de consumo, atingindo não apenas gestantes, mas seus familiares e sua comunidade.…”