Evaluation of PHW on Cigarette Packaging

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 41 views

The Impact of Warning Labels on Cigarette Packs: A Study on Active Smokers in Pekan Labuhan Village, Medan Labuhan District

Introduction

The prevalence of smoking in Indonesia is a significant public health concern, with a high percentage of men, children, and adults engaging in this habit. In an effort to protect the community and change smoking habits, the government has implemented a regulation on picture warning warnings (PHW) on cigarette packaging. This study aims to analyze the influence of individual characteristics and perceptions about the warning of the dangers of smoking on cigarette packs on changes in the attitudes of active smokers.

Background

Smoking is a major risk factor for various health problems, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that tobacco use is responsible for over 7 million deaths worldwide each year. In Indonesia, the prevalence of smoking is high, with a significant proportion of the population engaging in this habit. The government has implemented various measures to reduce smoking, including the regulation on PHW on cigarette packaging.

Methodology

This study uses an analytic survey method with a cross-sectional cutting design. The research activity was carried out in the XXVII environment, Pekan Labuhan Village, Medan Labuhan District. A total of 248 samples were taken from a population of 324 people. Data were analyzed using univariate analysis, bivariate analysis with chi-square tests, as well as multivariate analysis with multiple logistics regression.

Results

The results of this study showed that the educational variables, knowledge, and individual perceptions of the commercial advertisement of smoking hazards had a significant effect on changes in the attitudes of active smokers (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, age variables, occupations, and smoking habits do not show a significant effect (P > 0.05). Of all variables, education has the most dominant influence on changes in the attitude of active smokers. Smokers who have a level of higher education, good knowledge, and positive perceptions of advertisements for smoking danger warnings, have a chance of up to 57% to change their smoking attitudes.

Discussion

The findings of this study suggest that education plays a crucial role in changing the attitudes of active smokers. Smokers who have a higher level of education, good knowledge, and positive perceptions of advertisements for smoking danger warnings are more likely to change their smoking attitudes. This reflects a big challenge in changing the attitude of smokers who have ingrained meat into a habit. The government, through the Ministry of Health, should conduct an evaluation of the advertisement of the dangers of smoking listed on the packaging of cigarettes. Although the warning is designed to be clear and easy to understand, the reality shows that there are still many active smokers who do not experience changes in attitude.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Evaluation of PHW on Cigarette Packaging: The government, through the Ministry of Health, should conduct an evaluation of the advertisement of the dangers of smoking listed on the packaging of cigarettes.
More Effective Strategy in Delivering the Message: The government should formulate a more effective strategy in delivering the message of the dangers of smoking to the community, so that more individuals are moved to leave smoking for their own health and the surrounding environment.
Integrated Efforts in Health Education and Anti-Smoking Campaigns: Through more integrated efforts in health education and anti-smoking campaigns, it is hoped that more active smokers can transform and break away from harmful smoking habits.

Conclusion

This study has shown that education plays a crucial role in changing the attitudes of active smokers. Smokers who have a higher level of education, good knowledge, and positive perceptions of advertisements for smoking danger warnings are more likely to change their smoking attitudes. The government should conduct an evaluation of the advertisement of the dangers of smoking listed on the packaging of cigarettes and formulate a more effective strategy in delivering the message of the dangers of smoking to the community. Through more integrated efforts in health education and anti-smoking campaigns, it is hoped that more active smokers can transform and break away from harmful smoking habits.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the study was conducted in a specific location, which may not be representative of the entire population. Secondly, the study only focused on active smokers and did not include non-smokers. Finally, the study only analyzed the influence of individual characteristics and perceptions about the warning of the dangers of smoking on cigarette packs on changes in the attitudes of active smokers.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on the following areas:

Longitudinal Study: A longitudinal study should be conducted to analyze the changes in attitudes of active smokers over time.
Non-Smokers: A study should be conducted to analyze the attitudes of non-smokers towards smoking and the warning labels on cigarette packaging.
More Effective Strategy: A study should be conducted to analyze the effectiveness of different strategies in delivering the message of the dangers of smoking to the community.

References

World Health Organization. (2019). Tobacco control.
Ministry of Health. (2017). Regulation on picture warning warnings (PHW) on cigarette packaging.
[Insert other relevant references]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Impact of Warning Labels on Cigarette Packs

Q: What is the purpose of warning labels on cigarette packs?

A: The purpose of warning labels on cigarette packs is to inform smokers and non-smokers about the dangers of smoking and to encourage smokers to quit. The warning labels are designed to be clear and easy to understand, and to convey the risks associated with smoking.

Q: What are the benefits of warning labels on cigarette packs?

A: The benefits of warning labels on cigarette packs include:

Informing smokers and non-smokers about the dangers of smoking
Encouraging smokers to quit
Reducing the number of smokers
Reducing the number of smoking-related deaths
Protecting non-smokers from secondhand smoke

Q: What are the challenges of implementing warning labels on cigarette packs?

A: The challenges of implementing warning labels on cigarette packs include:

Ensuring that the warning labels are clear and easy to understand
Ensuring that the warning labels are effective in changing smoker behavior
Overcoming resistance from the tobacco industry
Ensuring that the warning labels are consistent across different countries and regions

Q: What are the different types of warning labels that can be used on cigarette packs?

A: There are several different types of warning labels that can be used on cigarette packs, including:

Text-based warnings
Image-based warnings
Combination warnings (text and image)
Rotating warnings (different warnings on different packs)

Q: What are the best practices for implementing warning labels on cigarette packs?

A: The best practices for implementing warning labels on cigarette packs include:

Conducting research to determine the most effective warning labels
Ensuring that the warning labels are clear and easy to understand
Ensuring that the warning labels are consistent across different countries and regions
Monitoring the effectiveness of the warning labels and making adjustments as needed

Q: What are the potential consequences of not implementing warning labels on cigarette packs?

A: The potential consequences of not implementing warning labels on cigarette packs include:

Continued high rates of smoking-related deaths and illnesses
Continued exposure to secondhand smoke
Continued resistance from the tobacco industry
Continued lack of awareness about the dangers of smoking

Q: What can individuals do to help reduce the number of smokers and smoking-related deaths?

A: Individuals can help reduce the number of smokers and smoking-related deaths by:

Quitting smoking themselves
Encouraging friends and family members to quit smoking
Supporting policies and programs that promote smoking cessation
Spreading awareness about the dangers of smoking

Q: What can governments do to help reduce the number of smokers and smoking-related deaths?

A: Governments can help reduce the number of smokers and smoking-related deaths by:

Implementing policies and programs that promote smoking cessation
Increasing funding for tobacco control programs
Conducting research to determine the most effective warning labels
Monitoring the effectiveness of warning labels and making adjustments as needed

Q: What is the role of the tobacco industry in reducing the number of smokers and smoking-related deaths?

A: The tobacco industry has a role to play in reducing the number of smokers and smoking-related deaths by:

Supporting policies and programs that promote smoking cessation
Conducting research to determine the most effective warning labels
Implementing warning labels on cigarette packs
Providing resources and support to smokers who want to quit

Q: What is the future of warning labels on cigarette packs?

A: The future of warning labels on cigarette packs is likely to involve continued innovation and improvement in the design and implementation of warning labels. This may include the use of new technologies, such as digital warning labels, and the development of more effective warning labels that are tailored to specific populations and contexts.