April 6, 2009
In November 2007, the Australian Department of Health and Ageing commissioned a research firm to undertake an evaluation of the pictorial health warnings on tobacco product packaging. The purpose of the evaluation was to provide information on the effectiveness of the graphic health warnings, their impact on smoking behaviour, attitudes, knowledge and intentions. The evaluation included a review of recent international literature, a nation-wide telephone survey, focus groups with consumers, interviews with key stakeholders in tobacco control and an analysis of 2005/2006 departmental survey data.
This evaluation shows that the graphic health warnings have achieved their intended purpose as outlined in the Trade Practices (Consumer Product Information Standards) (Tobacco) Regulations 2004. That is, they have increased consumer knowledge of the health effects relating to smoking, have encouraged the cessation of smoking and discouraged smoking uptake or relapse. The findings indicate the significance and importance of including pictures/graphic images on tobacco products in regard to the recall, impact and noticeability of the health warnings…
The Evaluation report can be found on this and supporting documents are available at: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/health-pubhlth-strateg-drugs-tobacco-warnings.htm or on this website under Australia.
Link to Australia’s Department of Health and Ageing website