Reactions of Chinese Adults to Cigarette Warning Labels
Author Information
Author(s): Qin Yu, Wu Ming, Pan Xiaoqun, Xiang Quanyong, Huang Jianping, Gu Zenghui, Shi Zumin, Zhou Minghao
Primary Institution: Jiangsu Province Centre for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
Are the new Chinese warning labels on cigarette packages more effective than the old labels and international labels?
Conclusion
Both the old and the new Chinese warning labels are not effective in this target population.
Supporting Evidence
- 31.2% of participants said the new label provided clear information on harm caused by smoking.
- Participants were less likely to give cigarettes with the new label compared to the old label.
- 26.8% of participants would quit smoking based on information from the old label and 31.5% from the new label.
- Over 90% of participants knew 'smoking was harmful to their health'.
- Text-plus-graphic warning labels were more effective than text-only labels.
Takeaway
The new warning labels on cigarette packs in China don't help people understand the dangers of smoking or encourage them to quit.
Methodology
Participants aged 18 and over were recruited in two cities of Jiangsu Province in 2008, and 876 face-to-face interviews were completed.
Potential Biases
The sample may not accurately reflect the general population's knowledge and attitudes towards smoking.
Limitations
The use of a convenience sample may not be representative of the Jiangsu population, and the educational level of participants was higher than the general population.
Participant Demographics
The sample included 374 males and 502 females, with an average age of 34 years; 82.7% had graduated from technical secondary school or higher.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.031
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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