Do graphic health warning labels have an impact on adolescents' smoking-related beliefs and behaviours?

Abstract

Aims: To assess the impact of the introduction of graphic health warning labels on cigarette packets on adolescents at different smoking uptake stages. Design: School-based surveys conducted in the year prior to (2005) and approximately 6 months after (2006) the introduction of the graphic health warnings. The 2006 survey was conducted after a TV advertising campaign promoting two new health warnings. Setting: Secondary schools in greater metropolitan Melbourne, Australia. Participants: Students in year levels 8-12: 2432 students in 2005, and 2050 in 2006, participated. Measures: Smoking uptake stage, intention to smoke, reported exposure to cigarette packs, knowledge of health effects of sm..