The effect of health warning labels about tobacco-related harms on young people

Introduction. Pictorial and textual warning labels on cigarette packs attract smokers’ attention and stimulate smoking cessation, but their impact on various socio-demographic groups in Russia remains uncertain while in most developed countries, this problem is being investigated in order to prevent and control tobacco use and promote public health. The purpose of this study is to clarify the nature of the impact of health warning labels on cigarette packs on modern youth. Materials and Methods. To achieve the purpose, a mass survey was conducted in Magadan region (Russia). The sample consisted of 596 people, 384 of whom were aged between 13 and 25 years. The type of sample was quota. Region’s population was distributed according to gender, age, and place of residence. Results. The analysis revealed no significant gender or age-specific differences in the perception of warning labels. The connection between the intensity of motivation for smoking cessation and respondents’ attitude to pictorial and text warnings on cigarette packs has been confirmed. The strength of this connection has been evaluated. The percentages of young respondents potentially ready to give up smoking and their level of motivation have been identified. Conclusions. The data obtained and their analyses allow to conclude about the universal nature of cigarette pack warnings about the dangers of smoking, with regard to youth as well. Young people who are not affected by graphic and textual warnings are most likely to postpone smoking cessation indefinitely.