Smokers notice health warnings more often on packaging

Category: Health Info published by sana published: March 24, 2019, 15:02: EST Update: March 24, 2019, 15:02: EST

London: According to a new study, health warnings for cigarettes packaged in plain packaging affect smokers more than those marked on branded packaging.

The warnings used on standardized packaging were newer and bulkier than full brand packaging – and showed pictorial images on the two main display areas, the team said.

"Consistent with the general objectives of standardized packaging, our research has shown that they are badociated with increased importance of warning and thinking about risk and stopping smoking," said lead researcher Crawford Moodie. University of Stirling, Scotland.

"This study adds to the growing body of evidence that standardized packaging is reducing the attractiveness of tobacco products," said George Butterworth, Chief Policy Officer at Cancer Research, UK.

The study showed that smokers who bought standardized packages were more likely to have noticed and read warnings than those who had never used standardized packages.

Those who bought standardized packaging also thought about the health risks of smoking and smoking cessation and were more likely to have noticed the sign of smoking cessation on packaging.

For the study, the team had 1,865 current smokers aged 16 and over.

Source: IANS