Government Tobacco Control Policies Have Instant Impact On Motivating Young People To Stop Smoking

Main Category: Smoking / Quit Smoking
Article Date: 18 Jun 2010 - 2:00 PST

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Government-enacted tobacco control policies significantly increase the number of young people seeking advice to quit smoking according new data presented at the World Congress of Cardiology (WCC) Scientific Sessions in Beijing, China.

The introduction of smoke-free legislation in Hong Kong in 2007 stimulated a 27.7 per cent increase in the number of calls to a Youth Quitline and a 27.5 per cent increase in the number of people completing counseling. Moreover, the tax rise in 2009 increased the number of telephone calls by 144 per cent and case counseling increased by 111 per cent in the short term.

"These data demonstrate that government policy decisions do motivate the youth of Hong Kong to seek advice to quit smoking," said Dr David Wong, Biostatistician, School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong. "The Government and healthcare professionals should capitalize on this key insight to promote smoking cessation to young smokers."

This study analyzed the number of calls received from young smokers (aged between 12 and 25 and who had smoked at least one cigarette in the past month) 12 weeks before and after the announcement of each tobacco control policy announced by the Hong Kong government. (September 2006 to March 2007 and January 2009 to June 2009).

Smoking is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and smoking cessation at an early age would largely reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. It is, however, difficult for young smokers to quit by themselves. Despite the fact that psycho-behavioral counseling can increase the chances of successfully quitting less that 3 per cent of 'youths' have indicated that they would use such a service.

Source
World Heart Federation

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